Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

On Chesil Beach

Play trailer 1:49 Poster for On Chesil Beach R 2018 1h 50m Romance Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
67% Tomatometer 169 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In 1962, newlyweds Edward and Florence, both in their early 20s and also both virgins, spend their honeymoon preoccupied and terrified by the upcoming consummation of their marriage.
Watch on Fandango Stream Now

Where to Watch

On Chesil Beach

On Chesil Beach

What to Know

Critics Consensus

On Chesil Beach presents a well-acted and solidly crafted adaptation of a small yet resonant story with deceptively rich subtext.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More
J. R. Jones Chicago Reader Mar 10, 2020
Once McEwan fully exposes the couple's compromised relationship there are some strong scenes of them surveying the wreckage together. Go to Full Review
Mark Kermode Kermode & Mayo's Film Review Aug 28, 2018
I really did believe in the central couple and their alienation. Go to Full Review
Robert Daniels 812filmreviews Aug 27, 2018
2/4
Unfortunately, by the final act of the film we've lost any empathy for these two. And there's little rationale as to why they should matter to anyone else. Go to Full Review
Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Mar 10, 2024
C+
Underwhelming romantic drama. Go to Full Review
Merryn Johns Curve May 20, 2022
Ronan is stunning as Florence. Simultaneously fierce and delicate, she is the embodiment of a young woman who navigates the traps of heterosexuality -- without a feminist slogan or women’s group in sight. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jun 7, 2021
2.5/4
It's a movie that stumbles out of the gate. But after a fumbling first act, the story deepens alongside the narrative conflicts. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Bowlerhat Y @Ketama 19 hrs ago Moving and so terribly poignant. See more Julie B @RT06180755 Sep 22, 2026 Well I’ll have to read the book to see what’s what here, but tearful ending. She acts that way bc class differences, doesn’t want to give up her professional life ??? Deeper probs ? Straight to Google or Reddit I go See more Donna M @DonnaM Sep 22, 2026 Billy Howle was the star of the show. The range of emotions and feelings that he played as Edward were acted phenomenally. Bravo Billy. He carried the movie. I felt the audience needed to know more about Florence's diversity path that led her to the ending. Billy needed and deserved closure. It was moving and different. Kept my attention and enjoyed it. Gave it 4 stars for Billy Howle'a performance; otherwise it would have been 3 stars. It was definitely worth watching just for Billy Howle's performance, it was award worthy. See more Kathy V @RT64332554 Sep 19, 2026 Second time ive watched it over the years. I love this movie. See more Alan K @RT23703917 Aug 10, 2024 My problem with this is how unlikeable the Edward character is. I'm sure he can't be that repellent in the book. I couldn't identify with him in any way and pretty much all I thought is, you have dodged a bullet there love. See more Ron R @RT76285883 Jun 20, 2024 What a delicious sexual complex foray into the consciousness of a neurotic English couple who just can't get it together. Such tragic moments are delicious and revealing. I loved this. And felt the devastating consequences. Excellent pre fem drama. I kept wanting them to overcome their Drama but unfortunately. Not. So sad. But revealing See more Read all reviews
On Chesil Beach

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING
If Beale Street Could Talk 95% 68% If Beale Street Could Talk Watchlist TRAILER for If Beale Street Could Talk Phantom Thread 91% 71% Phantom Thread Watchlist TRAILER for Phantom Thread Cold War 92% 82% Cold War Watchlist TRAILER for Cold War The Laureate 45% 90% The Laureate Watchlist TRAILER for The Laureate The Souvenir 90% 38% The Souvenir Watchlist TRAILER for The Souvenir Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1962, newlyweds Edward and Florence, both in their early 20s and also both virgins, spend their honeymoon preoccupied and terrified by the upcoming consummation of their marriage.
Director
Dominic Cooke
Producer
Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley
Screenwriter
Ian McEwan
Distributor
Bleecker Street Media
Production Co
Number 9 Films, BBC Films
Rating
R (Some Sexual Content and Nudity)
Genre
Romance, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 18, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 7, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$741.6K
Runtime
1h 50m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings