What’s it all about? A lavish big-screen version of the classic Evelyn Waugh novel made famous by an 80s TV series.

Ordinary boy Charles (Goode) meets pretty posho Sebastian (Whishaw), and the two have a whale of a time at Sebastian’s family pad, Brideshead – that is until Charles grows closer to his friend’s sister Julia (Atwell).

What’s good? The first hour is funny and intriguing, and the whole film is beautifully shot. Matthew and Ben put in fantastic performances, confirming them both as major British talents.

What’s bad? When the love triangle element is introduced, the film becomes less entertaining and credible – we don’t buy the attraction between Charles and Julia. It’s also surprisingly difficult to get emotionally involved with this film.

OK! verdict: Pretty as a picture, this is a solid, if unexceptional, period drama.