My Policeman movie review & film summary (2022)

"My Policeman" is a poignant tale of a love triangle set in 1950s Brighton, England. The novel is a compelling exploration of the complexities of love, desire, and the societal pressure that limits our ability to live authentically. The novel follows the lives of three characters, Marion, Tom, and Patrick, whose lives are bound together by their love for one another. The novel is a heart-wrenching examination of the human condition, and it is sure to leave readers with a sense of empathy and understanding for the characters involved.

Chapter 1: The Meeting

The novel begins with Marion, a schoolteacher, who meets Tom, a young policeman, on a bus ride to work. Marion is immediately drawn to Tom's kind demeanor and rugged good looks. Over time, the two develop a friendship that soon blossoms into a romantic relationship. However, Marion is unaware of the fact that Tom is hiding a secret that could destroy their relationship.

Chapter 2: The Secret

Tom is gay, a fact that he has kept hidden from the world for fear of societal persecution. He is forced to live a double life, one that includes his love for Patrick, a museum curator whom he meets at a local art exhibition. Tom's love for Patrick is intense, and he struggles to keep his feelings hidden from both Marion and the world.

Chapter 3: The Love Triangle

As Tom's relationship with Patrick deepens, Marion begins to sense that something is amiss. She becomes increasingly jealous of Patrick, who she believes is a rival for Tom's affections. Tom is torn between his love for both Patrick and Marion and is unable to decide which relationship to pursue. The three characters become embroiled in a complicated love triangle that threatens to destroy them all.

Chapter 4: The Wedding

Despite his love for Patrick, Tom decides to marry Marion in an attempt to conform to societal norms. The wedding is a lavish affair, attended by all of Tom's fellow police officers, including his boss. However, the wedding is marred by Tom's obvious unease and discomfort, which is noticed by Marion and the other guests.

Chapter 5: The Affair

Despite his marriage to Marion, Tom continues to see Patrick in secret. The two men begin an affair that is fraught with danger, as homosexuality is illegal in England at the time. The affair is passionate and intense, but Tom is constantly consumed with guilt and fear of being caught.

Chapter 6: The Confrontation

Marion eventually discovers Tom's secret affair with Patrick and confronts him. Tom is forced to choose between his love for Patrick and his marriage to Marion. He chooses Marion and ends his relationship with Patrick, who is devastated by Tom's decision.

Chapter 7: The Aftermath

Tom's marriage to Marion is strained by the revelation of his affair with Patrick. Marion becomes increasingly distant and cold towards Tom, and their relationship begins to crumble. Tom is consumed with guilt over his treatment of Patrick and struggles to come to terms with his sexuality.

Chapter 8: The Breakdown

Tom's guilt and anxiety over his affair with Patrick lead to a breakdown. He is hospitalized and forced to confront his feelings of shame and self-loathing. Marion visits him in the hospital but is unable to offer him the emotional support that he needs.

Chapter 9: The Reconciliation

Tom and Marion attempt to reconcile after his breakdown, but their relationship is irreparably damaged. Tom is consumed with guilt and self-doubt, while Marion is unable to forgive him for his betrayal. Their marriage becomes increasingly unhappy, and they both begin to contemplate a future without one another.

Chapter 10: The Return of Patrick

Years later, Patrick returns to Brighton and re-enters Tom's life. Tom is overjoyed to see him again, but his happiness is short-lived when he realizes that Patrick is dying of cancer. Tom becomes Patrick's caretaker and the two men can rekindle their love for one another in the time that they have left.

Chapter 11: The Final Goodbye

As Patrick's health deteriorates, Tom is forced to confront the reality of their situation. He is forced to say goodbye to the love of his life once again, but this time it is for good. The scene is heart-wrenching, as Tom is left alone to confront his grief and the memories of his time with Patrick.

Chapter 12: The Aftermath

Tom is left to confront his mortality and the choices that he has made in his life. He reflects on the decisions that led him to marry Marion and the cost of conforming to societal norms. He can find some solace in the fact that he was able to share his love with Patrick, even if it was for a brief period.

Chapter 13: The Legacy

Tom's life is forever changed by his experiences with Patrick and Marion. He becomes an advocate for LGBTQ rights and works to change the societal norms that he was forced to conform to. He can find some measure of peace in the knowledge that he was able to make a difference in the world.

Chapter 14: The Lessons Learned

The novel ends with a reflection on the lessons that can be learned from Tom, Marion, and Patrick's story. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of living authentically and the cost of denying our true selves. The novel is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and the societal pressure that can limit our ability to live our lives to the fullest.

Chapter 15: The Epilogue

The epilogue of the novel takes place many years after the events of the story. It is a reflection on the impact that Tom, Marion, and Patrick's story has had on the world. The novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and the need to accept ourselves and others for who we truly are.