Military Wives Review

Within the UK there is a lucrative subgenre of films that appeals to middle-class, middle-England audiences. The film story about the Military Wives choir easily fits in that category.

At a military base, the soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan for a six-month tour. Whilst their families at home the wives have to find things to do to pass the time and distract themselves from their worries. Kate (Kristin Scott Thomas), attempts to take control of the activities as a way to deal with her grief but ends up clashing with Lisa (Sharon Horgan), the welfare liaison official. Despite this, the wives form a choir that they quickly enjoy and soon gain the attention of the military top brass.

Military Wives is an extremely formulaic film. It was similar to last year’s Fisherman’s Friends because both films are fictionalised stories about a famous classical group who unexpectedly became famous. Both films even have a similar plot point where both groups’ first gig ends in disaster. It’s the type of film where every plot point and character arc can be predicted.

Being formulaic isn’t much of an issue if the product is good and Military Wives manages to entertain. This is properly down to the creative team which included The Full Monty director Peter Cattaneo and co-written by indie filmmaker Rachel Tunnard. What they created a film that was humorous, and emotional at the right points: it got the right reactions from the audience. There was a focus on the comradely between the women as they act like ladettes and they produce a lot of funny jokes like what they get up to when their husbands are away and talking about the Rocky series.

Military Wives also had a strong cast. Kristin Scott Thomas is a revered actress and Sharon Horgan is highly regarded for her TV work. Casting Scott Thomas was a coup for this type of film. Both play strong-willed women who have different ideas and approaches. Kate had a dominating personality who wants to turn a lot of the activities into serious endeavours whilst Lisa was more passive-aggressive and just wanted the wives to have fun. As standard for this type of film a friendship forms between the two and they learn to respect each other’s techniques. Yet when they have their second act fallout their insults were below the belt.

Kate takes a more active role with the wives because she wanted a project to distract her. Her son died during the war yet being a posh woman she has an image to maintain. On the surface, Kate pulls off the British stiff upper lip act, but she was masking her pain. Kate grew close to Sarah (Amy James-Kelly), the newest wife on the base who’s the most worried about her husband going off to war for the first time.

Lisa has a subplot involving her daughter, Frankie (India Ria Amarteifio) who has fallen into a phase of teenage rebellion. Their relationship gets fixed during the course. Other characters also have their journeys, like the already mention Sarah having to deal with her fears, and Jess (Gaby French), the best singer in the group who needs to gain confidence to perform solos.

Military Wives is a safe and predictable film that will easily please the intended audience. It’s elevated by the character work and humour.