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Poster for Brief Encounter

Brief Encounter

Seen it?

1945 | 86 min | Drama, Romance

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (7.7 out of 10) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Revolutionary Road, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 26 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1945: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Returning home from a shopping trip to a nearby town, bored suburban housewife Laura Jesson is thrown by happenstance into an acquaintance with virtuous doctor Alec Harvey. Their casual friendship soon develops during their weekly visits into something more emotionally fulfilling than either expected, and they must wrestle with the potential havoc their deepening relationship would have on their lives and the lives of those they love.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 92 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.7 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 3 Oscars.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 216K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by David Lean

  • Celia JohnsonLaura Jesson
  • Trevor HowardDr. Alec Harvey
  • Stanley HollowayAlbert Godby
  • Joyce CareyMyrtle Bagot
  • Cyril RaymondFred Jesson
  • Everley GreggDolly Messiter
  • Marjorie MarsMary Norton
  • Margaret BartonTea Room Assistant Beryl Walters
  • Wilfred BabbagePoliceman at War Memorial (uncredited)
  • Alfie BassWaiter at the Royal (uncredited)