The first, and bigger, of two Donald Crowhurst films set to be released by Studiocanal in the coming weeks has arrived. It is an assured and affecting stab at the tragic tale, if one that plays it a little safe.

Based on the true story of the amateur sailor’s attempt at the Golden Globe race around the world in 1968, The Mercy follows Crowhurst (Colin Firth) from the announcement of the race, as he attempts to gain funds to build his dream ship, he believes capable of going faster than any other, and in the process, signs away his house and business should he fail to complete the race. After setting off, Crowhurst soon realises just how unprepared and inexperienced he is for the task he has ahead, and just how bleak his odds of survival will be should he continue. With the choice seemingly being to either continue on and likely die or return home and lose everything, he is backed into a corner that leads him to lie, communicating false progress and posting false positions, as he attempts to dupe the world into believing he has completed the race. Sadly, even then, it isn’t enough. The film also details, to a lesser extent, the plight of his wife, Claire (Rachel Weisz), back at home, as she deals with what is left behind.

The film is carried by the great performances at its heart. Firth and Weisz deliver no less than you’d expect from actors of their caliber. In Firth, you see the slow deterioration of Crowhurst’s state, his moral anguish replacing the childlike wonder and innocence he holds in the beginning. Weisz also delivers a layered performance as Claire who herself is forced to put on a performance for the cameras, but Weisz allows little cracks to seep through. The believability in their relationship at the beginning allows their tie to last throughout the rest of the film where they are separated by thousands of miles, emphasising the heartbreak.

This is an extraordinary story told with great empathy. We witness the breaking of a man, beautifully played by Firth, who starts out with only honest intentions and a steadfast belief in himself and his abilities, only to be lead into such desperate circumstances that he is forced lie. He is portrayed as a man with no choice; either option he takes ends in certain ruin. This makes the tragic tale all the more affecting. It is very moving in its heartbreak, but also a very uncomfortable watch as you are pulled into Crowhurst’s moral predicament.

The film makes some interesting choices in terms of when to show certain scenes (some occur more as memories than chronologically), but overall it feels a bit safe. There are brutal moments on the boat, and instances that force you to feel the real horror of the situation, but it occasionally feels a little bland. It doesn’t always dive as deep as it could have, but it still manages to be effective and moving nonetheless.

Crowhurst’s tale is a remarkable one, and it is satisfyingly serviced here. The film itself could perhaps have gone a little further, but remains to be a very emotional and thoughtful piece.