“Creation” Movie Trailer Review

By our guest blogger, Michaela Zanello

From director Jon Amiel, the powerful biopic “Creation” is the tale of revolutionary thinker Charles Darwin and his personal struggle with science and religion preceding the 1859 publication of “On the Origin of Species.” The film stars real-life husband and wife team Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as Charles and Emma Darwin.

The primary focus of “Creation” is on Darwin the man, not the explosively divisive theory of evolution. The film examines Darwin’s familial struggles and the personal demons that dog his core, which involve the death of his beloved 10-year-old daughter, Annie, and the fear of becoming estranged from his deeply religious wife, Emma. In the film, the clash of science versus religion is personalized to become husband versus wife. In effect, the divided sentiments in the Darwin family circle represent a microcosm of the great evolutionary dispute.

The tensions brought about by these circumstances serve as the foundation on which “Creation” is built. Darwin is a churchgoer who passionately loves his wife, but he also is a scientist with a mounting conviction that he lives in a world where God has no place. His spousal relationship serves as the foil that most drastically affects his readiness to unleash his discoveries.

Set primarily within the confines of a small English town, “Creation” could be classified as a domestic melodrama. Yet, from what is evinced in the trailer, the film plays more like a fantastical, almost dream-like voyage. With breathtaking images of lush countryside, crashing waves, and jungle rivers interspersed among the plot-driving points, the trailer for “Creation” sweeps the viewer off their feet and makes them feel as if they are about to embark upon a great, mystical adventure.

“Creation” appears to be a compelling, heartfelt story with superb performances from both Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly. Bettany appears especially strong in his role as Darwin, playing the world-renowned scientist and “man who killed God” with a gentle eloquence that speaks volumes. It will be interesting to see if his performance can hold up against the cinematic natural selection and perhaps garner a nomination come next awards season.

View the trailer for "Creation" below. What are your thoughts?