Watch The Mitfords: A Tale of Two Sisters

The Mitfords: A Tale of Two Sisters is a dramatic portrait of the lives of Nancy and Jessica Mitford, two of the most fascinating sisters of the 20th century. The film is set in England, spanning from the 1910s to the 1970s, and chronicling the sisters' childhood, their rebellious youth, their involvement in World War II, and the challenges they faced in their personal lives.

The film is anchored by the wonderful performances of Rachael Stirling as Nancy and Mary Stockley as Jessica. Stirling captures Nancy's sharp wit and sophistication with ease, while Stockley embodies Jessica's free spirit and bohemian leanings. The actresses' chemistry is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the film's highlights.

The Mitford sisters were born into a wealthy and well-connected family, and their childhood was privileged but also unconventional. Their father, David Mitford, was a conservative member of parliament, while their mother, Sydney Bowles, was a spirited woman who encouraged her daughters to think for themselves and pursue their own interests. The sisters were part of a larger group of siblings, but Nancy and Jessica were particularly close.

As the sisters grew older, they began to take different paths. Nancy became a writer and socialite, while Jessica became a Communist and married her cousin, Esmond Romilly, a rebel who fought in the Spanish Civil War. The film depicts the fallout from Jessica's marriage, including her estrangement from her family and her eventual decision to move to America. Meanwhile, Nancy's literary success and social connections catapulted her into high society, but also brought her into the orbit of controversial figures like Unity Mitford, her sister who was famously obsessed with Adolf Hitler.

During World War II, both sisters became involved in the war effort in their own ways. Nancy worked for the British intelligence agency MI5, while Jessica worked as a mechanic in America. The film captures the tension and uncertainty of the war years, and how they affected the sisters' relationships and sense of identity.

Throughout their lives, Nancy and Jessica grappled with personal challenges and tragedies. Nancy struggled with her own demons, including a failed marriage and a history of depression, while Jessica faced the loss of her beloved husband and the challenges of raising her children on her own. The film is unsentimental in its portrayal of these struggles, but also empathetic and nuanced in its understanding of the sisters' motivations and choices.

Overall, The Mitfords: A Tale of Two Sisters is a compelling and well-crafted film. It is a fitting tribute to Nancy and Jessica Mitford, two remarkable women whose lives were full of drama, passion, and contradictions.

The Mitfords: A Tale of Two Sisters is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 44 minutes.