Great Expectations (2012) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Great Expectations (2012), directed by Mike Newell, is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel of the same name. This period drama stars Jeremy Irvine as the orphaned Pip, Helena Bonham Carter as the eccentric Miss Havisham, and Ralph Fiennes as the mysterious convict Magwitch. The film remains largely faithful to the original 1861 novel while delivering a fresh, visually captivating retelling of the story about class, ambition, love, and redemption.
In this review, we’ll delve into the plot, themes, performances, and direction of Great Expectations (2012) while exploring where to stream or rent this literary adaptation in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Class, Ambition, and Heartbreak
Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, an orphaned boy raised by his sister and her blacksmith husband, Joe Gargery (played by Jason Flemyng). Pip’s life changes forever when he helps an escaped convict, Magwitch (Ralph Fiennes), only to later be invited to the grand, decaying estate of Miss Havisham (Helena Bonham Carter), a wealthy recluse.
Miss Havisham lives in perpetual bitterness after being abandoned at the altar years earlier, and she has adopted Estella (Holliday Grainger), a beautiful young woman she’s trained to break men’s hearts. Pip, captivated by Estella, falls hopelessly in love with her despite her coldness. Miss Havisham encourages the affection, furthering her own twisted revenge against men.
Years later, Pip learns that he has been named the beneficiary of a mysterious benefactor, who provides him with wealth and the opportunity to become a gentleman in London. Pip assumes the benefactor is Miss Havisham, but the truth is far more complex, with revelations that test Pip’s loyalty, identity, and understanding of what it means to be a true gentleman.
Themes: Class, Wealth, and the Nature of True Happiness
Dickens’ Great Expectations explores a wide range of social issues, and the 2012 adaptation captures these themes while adding modern sensibilities to the narrative. At the heart of the story is Pip’s desire for self-improvement and upward social mobility. His journey from a poor blacksmith’s apprentice to a gentleman in London reflects the 19th-century obsession with class and wealth as measures of success.
The film also delves into the consequences of unchecked ambition and materialism. Pip’s desire to escape his humble roots blinds him to the value of the love and kindness shown by those closest to him, particularly Joe Gargery. His obsession with Estella, whom he sees as the embodiment of high society, leads him down a path of heartache and disillusionment.
Miss Havisham’s character adds another layer of complexity to the theme of wealth. Despite her immense fortune, she lives in emotional ruin, trapped in the moment of her betrayal. Her manipulation of Estella and Pip reveals the corrosive power of revenge and the emptiness that can come from wealth without love or connection.
The film ultimately delivers a message of redemption, as Pip comes to understand that true happiness lies not in wealth or social status but in integrity, loyalty, and forgiveness. This theme is poignantly realized through his reconciliation with Joe and his acceptance of his benefactor’s true identity.
Performances: A Stellar Cast Brings Dickens’ Characters to Life
The performances in Great Expectations (2012) are one of its greatest strengths, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their portrayal of Dickens’ iconic characters.
Jeremy Irvine, in the role of Pip, conveys the character’s youthful naiveté and ambition with sincerity. Irvine’s Pip is a young man driven by love and a desire for self-worth, but as his wealth and status grow, he becomes increasingly distant from his roots. Irvine captures Pip’s internal conflict and his eventual realization of the true nature of happiness with an understated but powerful performance.
Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of Miss Havisham is one of the film’s standout elements. Known for her eccentric and gothic roles, Carter imbues Miss Havisham with a tragic vulnerability beneath her bitterness. Her performance avoids making Miss Havisham a mere caricature of a jilted woman, instead portraying her as someone trapped in her own emotional torment.
Ralph Fiennes delivers a complex performance as Magwitch, the convict who ultimately becomes Pip’s mysterious benefactor. Fiennes portrays Magwitch as both menacing and sympathetic, embodying the film’s theme of redemption. His character’s relationship with Pip evolves from one of intimidation to one of mutual respect and gratitude, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Holliday Grainger is cold and calculating as Estella, yet she manages to reveal flashes of the vulnerability hidden beneath her icy exterior. The chemistry between her and Jeremy Irvine makes their doomed romance both heartbreaking and compelling.
Cinematography and Direction: A Visually Stunning Period Drama
Mike Newell, known for directing films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, brings a sense of grandiosity and visual flair to Great Expectations. The film’s production design and cinematography create a richly atmospheric experience, immersing the audience in the world of Victorian England.
Cinematographer John Mathieson, known for his work on films like Gladiator and The Phantom of the Opera, uses natural light and muted colors to evoke the gloomy, decaying grandeur of Miss Havisham’s estate and the harsh realities of Pip’s upbringing. The contrast between the oppressive darkness of Satis House and the bustling streets of London reflects Pip’s emotional journey—from the isolation of his childhood to the intoxicating allure of wealth and status in the city.
The film’s attention to period detail, from the costumes to the set design, further enhances its authenticity. Miss Havisham’s wedding dress, worn for decades as a symbol of her heartbreak, becomes a powerful visual metaphor for her emotional stagnation, while Pip’s transformation from blacksmith to gentleman is mirrored in his changing wardrobe and surroundings.
Newell’s direction strikes a balance between fidelity to Dickens’ original work and a more modern pacing that makes the story accessible to contemporary audiences. The film manages to condense the sprawling narrative of Great Expectations without losing the complexity of its characters or themes.
Where to Watch Great Expectations (2012) Online: Streaming and Rental Options
If you’re eager to watch Great Expectations (2012) online in the U.S., there are several streaming and rental platforms available:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Great Expectations (2012) is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent the film in HD for $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99. With its high streaming quality and wide device compatibility, Prime Video is an excellent option for watching this visually rich adaptation.
2. Apple TV
You can rent or purchase Great Expectations (2012) on Apple TV. Rentals start at $3.99, and the film is available for purchase at $9.99. Apple TV’s platform provides easy access to the film on a range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play offers Great Expectations for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $9.99. Google Play is a convenient option for those who prefer to watch movies on Android devices or via Chromecast.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers the film for rental starting at $3.99 and purchase at $9.99. Known for its high-quality streaming, Vudu is a popular choice for watching movies on smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices.
5. YouTube Movies
Great Expectations is available on YouTube Movies for rent or purchase. Rentals start at $3.99, and purchases are available at $9.99. YouTube Movies allows for streaming on virtually any device with internet access.
6. Hulu (with Starz add-on)
The film is also available on Hulu with the Starz add-on. Subscribers with this package can stream the film as part of their subscription. The Starz add-on offers access to a large library of movies and series, making it a valuable addition for cinephiles.
Conclusion: A Faithful and Visually Stunning Adaptation
Great Expectations (2012) is a faithful and visually striking adaptation of Dickens’ beloved novel. The film’s exploration of themes like ambition, class, and redemption remains as relevant today as it did in Dickens’ time. With standout performances from Jeremy Irvine, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes, and Mike Newell’s confident direction, the film is both a celebration of its literary source material and an engaging cinematic experience in its own right.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dickens or discovering Great Expectations for the first time, the 2012 adaptation offers a fresh and compelling retelling of the classic story. With several streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the world of Pip, Miss Havisham, and the unforgettable characters of Victorian England.
