Note: The following article references sexual misconduct.
Keira Knightley's romantic drama Atonement has just been added to Netflix in the UK and Ireland.
The 2007 movie marks the second collaboration between Knightley and director Joe Wright after the Oscar-nominated Pride & Prejudice, released in 2005.
An adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel of the same name, Atonement tells the story of a lie that spans six decades, from the 1930 to the horrors of World War II and beyond.
The secret romance between the wealthy Cecilia Tallis (Knightley) and Robbie Turner, the housekeeper's son played by James McAvoy, takes a turn when her younger sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) falsely implicates Robbie in a case of rape.
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The film famously includes a 5-minute long take of the Battle of Dunkirk and gifted the world the iconic green dress worn by Knightley and designed by costume designer Jacqueline Durran.
Met with favourable reviews, Atonement also earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Ronan, who was 13 at the time.
Cast for the film is rounded out by Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave, who portray older versions of Briony, as well as Benedict Cumberbatch, Juno Temple, and Alfie Allen amongst others.
Following Atonement, Wright and Knightley would team up again on 2012 period drama Anna Karenina.
Related: Black Doves boss responds to fan mystery surrounding end of the show
Knightley returned to TV in Netflix's acclaimed spy dramedy Black Doves opposite Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, and Andrew Buchan.
Created by Giri/Haji and The Lazarus Project showrunner Joe Barton, the six-parter follows spy-for-hire Helen Webb (Knightley), whose double life as the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence is compromised when her lover is killed under mysterious circumstances.
The series has earned Knightley a nod for Best Actress at the upcoming Golden Globes and has been renewed for a second season.
Atonement and Black Doves are streaming on Netflix.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contactRAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
