After years behind some of the leading CGI innovations, and with a scattering of performances in front of the camera, Andy Serkis now steps behind it to direct this true, if traditionally told, story of love and triumph over adversity.

Centering on the couple of Robin and Diana Cavendish, the film follows their extraordinary life that emerged from tragic circumstances. Whilst living in Africa in the late 50s, Robin (Andrew Garfield), only 28, contracted polio which left him completely paralysed, and unable to breathe for himself. Relying on a respirator to keep him alive, he was confined to hospital beds and given a mere 3 months to live. However, with the help and determination of his wife, Diana (Claire Foy), Robin took the risk to leave the hospital (something unheard of), and became instrumental (along with family and friends) in the invention of devices to enable severely disabled people to live outside of hospital wards. He spent his life advocating for disabled people’s rights and an improved quality of life.

It is without doubt an inspiring story to be told. To see this couple overcome unthinkable circumstances to do what they did is really a testament to them as people, and their love as a couple. Truly (at least within the film) it was Diana’s love that effectively saved him, and helped him come to terms with his situation, as well as ignite the desire for survival and a better life.

The film presents the events mostly with a certain sentimentality (which becomes unsurprising when you learn that the couple’s son – conceived shortly before Robin’s paralysis – was one of the film’s producers). The sentimental nature arguably detracts from the severity of the film’s events, meaning that harder moments are skimmed over, or some even made mildly farcical – an absurdity that you need to look past in order to enjoy it. Luckily, other elements ensures this is a possibility. The charismatic and quietly powerful performances of the leads help to anchor the film at its heart, and the speckling of well executed comedic moments keep a light atmosphere – who knows, perhaps this was the overall tone of the life they lead; despite the immense difficulties perhaps they did take a much more positive approach, or the stoic stiff upper lip of the time may lend itself to a less dramatic nature? The film does pull you in, and at times has a bit of a Sunday afternoon film feel to it (which is no certain insult, some great films reside in that category), but has more moments of poignancy (and the performances) that help to elevate it a little.

It may be a little too sweet for some – something even hinted at in the opening titles, the font in a yellow that could not be more sickly sweet. The absence of any gritty realism when dealing with such a difficult real life subject may lead some to dismiss the film. Little time is devoted to Robin’s personal struggles to deal with his situation, but this is due to the tone the film decides to take – this is not a gritty drama, which does mean there are things that aren’t delved into in too much depth in order to keep the film ticking along. However, if you know what it is going in, it is a very enjoyable affair, that manages to be affecting whilst maintaining a lighter and inspirational feel.

Garfield and Foy are terrific at the film’s beating heart. They each give a depth and complexity to their characters that really makes them come alive. Their relationship, too, is entirely believable – you really feel the depth and history there which is only summarised in the opening whirlwind run through of their romance.

The gorgeous cinematography (by Robert Richardson) is another standout element. Beautiful scenes of Africa are bathed in a warm light, and England is too – despite the fact it usually evades us – to provide a welcoming and warming atmosphere. One scene also has a particularly interesting use of slight Dutch angles. Serkis is to be credited here too, of course, and he has proved himself in a solid directorial debut that bodes well for the other projects he has in the works.

Overall, this is an informative and heart-warming tale that serves as a fitting tribute to a remarkable couple, but also of the horrible quality of life severely disabled people were confined too not that long ago. It is inspiring, and although probably too sentimental and light for some, if you can look past it it is entirely enjoyable.