Mr. Burton

Set in 1942 Port Talbot, a teenage Richard Jenkins Jr. endures the tremors of a fractured home while the war drums louder every day. School isnt easy, and the future feels uncertain as he juggles chores, work, and the weight of expectations. Then a teacher named Philip Burton notices a flicker of talent in Richard for the stage, something that makes the classroom feel alive. Through acting, Richard discovers a voice that lets him examine his own doubts and hopes. The film follows a fragile alliance between pupil and mentor, as ambition collides with the realities of a town at war. The film also shows how a town grinds on under pressure and how art offers a brief refuge.

Released in 2025, the drama is directed by Marc Evans and born from an original screenplay by Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams. Toby Jones, Lesley Manville, Harry Lawtey and Aneurin Barnard star.

Early responses praise the film for its grounded performances and intimate focus on mentorship amid a wartime setting. It centers on resilience, family ties, and the making of a young artist, bringing Port Talbot's history to life with quiet emotional precision.