Firelight [VHS]

Writer William Nicholson's (Shadowlands) directorial debut is a surprisingly refreshing art house drama. Even though Firelight has grandstanding elements of forbidden love, a bodice-ripping tryst, and the moody English countryside, the film is never trite or dreary. It's 1838 and Charles, an earnest sheep breeder (Stephen Dillane), wants an heir, but his wife is an invalid. He hires the penniless Elisabeth (Sophie Marceau, ravishing again) as surrogate mother and hopes a weekend of passionless sex will bring him a baby. The D.H. Lawrence-like love nest brings a surprise or two, as does the bulk of film that takes place seven years later. Whereas many a period drama would focus on potential scandal, Nicholson is squarely looking at love between mother and child, and the unmentioned love between Charles and Elisabeth. Miscast in nearly every film since her breakout performance in Braveheart, Marceau is wonderful here. She keeps her smoldering air, but her character is more hopeful than downbeat. Nicholson's casting of Dillane (think of a British Ed Harris) instead of some gorgeous hunk was box-office poison, but makes for a far more satisfying picture--and they are a very appealing couple. --Doug Thomas