Mr Burton (2025), directed by Marc Evans

Son of an alcoholic miner in working class south Wales, Richie Jenkins was destined for an ordinary life. Thanks to the interest, encouragement, care and support of his English teacher, Philip Burton, instead he became a world-famous actor. Starting in 1942, the film depicts the sometimes painful transformation of a wayward teenager into the talented young man who would become Richard Burton. Toby Jones as Mr Burton and Lesley Manville as his landlady, Mrs Smith, lift this rather quiet, slow film into something memorable. Many of the supporting roles are underwritten - it would be nice if the women were at least given names - but Aimee-Ffion Edwards is good as Richard’s supportive sister. Harry Lawtey is sometimes hard to accept as a teen, but is compelling as the older Richard, battling his demons and asking for forgiveness and help, again, from his mentor to fulfill his potential. The film doesn't touch on any of Burton's marriages, conveniently ignoring the first - which was current during this time frame.