Tolkien

Set in early 20th century England, Tolkien follows a bright young student named John Ronald Reuel Tolkien as he forms a close circle with three school friends who share a passion for language and storytelling. The group’s devotion to literature gives meaning to their days, fuels lively debates, and strengthens their bond through adolescence. Tolkien also meets Edith Bratt, a fellow student who becomes a steady emotional anchor and a touchstone for his ambitions. As they move toward university and the looming shadow of war, their loyalty is tested and personal sacrifices arise. Those experiences plant the seeds of the author’s future myth making and the enduring power of words.

Directed by Dome Karukoski with a screenplay by David Gleeson and Stephen Beresford, Tolkien is an original biographical drama inspired by the author's early life rather than adapted from a single source. It was released in 2019 and features Nicholas Hoult as Tolkien alongside Lily Collins as Edith Bratt.

Though not a blockbuster, the film sparked renewed curiosity about the life behind The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It highlights how friendships and wartime hardship helped shape Tolkien’s imagination, offering fans a concrete look at the influences guiding his later legends.

Critics offered mixed responses, praising Hoult's earnest performance and the film's clear focus on friendship, duty, and ambition while noting a sometimes conventional biopic approach. The story centers on loyalty under pressure and the sense that personal loss can ignite creative resolve.

Awards: Tolkien attracted limited recognition at regional ceremonies, with a handful of nominations for performances and craft but no major international nominations. Fans appreciated the respectful portrayal of Tolkien's youth, while some critics called the film a solid but conventional biopic.