1918 Reviews

This thoughtful and carefully detailed story examines life on the WWI homefront in a rural Texas town that, in its own way, is forever changed by the war's far-reaching effects. Horace (William Converse-Roberts) and Elizabeth Robedaux (Hallie Foote) are a young married couple with an 8-month-old daughter. Their home, where much of the film's action takes place, has been paid for by Elizabeth's wealthy parents (Michael Higgins, Rochelle Oliver), who exert a domineering influence over the two. Horace has claimed he would fight in the war if he could be assured his wife and baby would be properly taken care of. His father-in-law promises to care for the family and leaves Horace no excuse. Elizabeth is furious with her husband and father, but matters take a sudden turn when the flu epidemic sweeps the country. 1918 is a multilayered work that delves deeply into the complexities of its characters and how they cope with the encroaching specter of death both at home and abroad. Foote gives a strong central performance that anchors the film with honest, deeply felt emotions. The screenplay, by her father, Horton Foote, is based on family experiences. The direction by Ken Harrison is thoughtful, allowing the events to unfold naturally in long takes. The small moments of everyday life are as prominent as the war in Europe, an important factor 1918 reflects with care and intelligence, complemented by its exact period detail.