Albert Nobbs

Albert Nobbs tells the story of man (Glenn Close) who was born a woman. For thirty years he has been living as a man and is working as a waiter in a posh hotel in 19th century Ireland. His secret is discovered by the mysterious Hubert Page (Janet McTeer), a painter staying at the hotel, who reveals to Albert that he was also born a woman, and the two form an unlikely friendship.

Inspired by Hubert’s comfortable domestic life, Albert decides to start a new life as a shopkeeper, but desires a female companion to share his secret and his dream of normality. However, the object of Albert’s attention (Mia Wasikowska, Alice in Wonderland), a pretty young maid at the hotel, is already being courted by a tempestuous young Irishman (Aaron Johnson) who does not take kindly to the competition he faces from Nobbs.

This unusual and enormously brave film works due to two astonishing leading performances, that of Glenn Close and Janet McTeer, both of whom have since been Oscar nominated. Close gives a subtle, introverted performance, an exact opposite to the butch eccentricities of McTeer. One scene in particular, where the pair try on dresses for the first time in years, is both funny and incredibly moving because of the sheer sadness of their situation.

The music, including the beautiful ‘Lay your head down’ by Sinead O’ Connor, together with the respectful and melancholic cinematography, help to delve into the prison of Albert’s life, within the bleak and brilliantly constructed setting of an Irish city in Dickensian winter. A fine supporting cast brings this tragic and uplifting story to life, in a quietly moving and astonishing work of art.

Charles Eades