'The Danish Girl' review: Eddie Redmayne's skilful portrayal makes the film a must-watch

Film: The Danish Girl 

Director: Tom Hooper

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Ben Whishaw, Amber Heard

Rating: ***

What's it about: Einar Wegener is a Danish landscape painter and his wife Gerda paints portraits. He's popular, has an agent and is loved by art aficionados. It's 1926 and his wife is an up-and-coming artist who isn't having much luck exhibiting or selling her art. Einar is supportive, kind and urges her on. One evening, he stands in for a female model and finds something stirring inside him. A feeling that he is in the wrong body. Several sittings and a few purchases later, he begins dressing up as a woman and finds that he rather enjoys it. His wife notices this and the attention that he gets. This causes some strain in their marriage. That and some health problems faced by Einar. A checkup at the Radium Institute, a looming threat of Einar being locked away for 'perversion' and an offer to show in Paris speed up their journey to the French capital, where it seems people are far more accepting. By now, Einar, keenly aware of his sexuality, dresses up more often, infinitely more comfortable in his new avatar. When Gerda and he find that a sex change operation is possible, they decide to go for it, for Einar's (who now goes by the name Lili Elbe) sake. Will it go as planned?

What's hot: Eddie is perfectly cast as Einar/Lili. Much depends on his dialogue delivery, expressions and histrionics and he doesn't fail to deliver. Vikander provides a great counterfoil, though Amber Heard as family friend Ulla is the real standout. The film is shot with much precision and calculation, and it shows.

What's not: Transgender tales, especially one that's set in the early 20th century, will almost come with some sort of tragic expectations. You know, in your heart of hearts, that for a variety of reasons, this might not end well. It's that predilection, that keen awareness that doesn't let you enjoy the growth of Einar into Lili and the events that transpire throughout the movie. Also, much has been cut out of this movie, so you might feel a little cheated.

What to do: Watch this one solely for Eddie. The story is a warm, beautiful one, but not as engaging as Eddie's performance.