W.E. was bound to create some controversy. With Madonna at its helm and Wallis Simpson at its centre, the knives were out before the first image came on screen. It was slated by critics, but we’re going to let you judge for yourself. The film will no doubt find champions out there, not least anyone interested in this timeless romance that scandalised the world.

The year is 1998, and Manhattan is abuzz with anticipation about the upcoming auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. But the auction is far more than a diversion for Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish), a Southerner trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage. Transfixed by the exquisite artefacts of the Windsors’ lives,Wally becomes obsessed with the story of Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the chic, charismatic American who captured the heart of King Edward VIII (James D’Arcy). As she learns more about the sacrifices Wallis made in choosing to be with Edward, Wally finds the courage to follow her own heart and create her own happiness.

Riseborough, a rising young British star (last seen at DCA in Brighton Rock), turns in a nice performance as the American divorcee but it is the costumes by Arianne Phillips (A Single Man) and cinematography by Hagen Bogdanski (The Lives of Others, The Young Victoria) which really stand out and guarantee a sumptuous visual experience.