by Tom Hiddleston’s Understated Mastery of Friendship in Unrelated and War Horse
While best known for larger-than-life blockbuster roles as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Hank Williams in the biopic I Saw the Light, Tom Hiddleston has also quietly delivered some of his finest acting work in independent films exploring the intricacies of human relationships. Two such films that showcase Hiddleston’s nuanced ability to portray friendship are 2007’s Unrelated and 2011’s Steven Spielberg epic War Horse. Though different in scope and style, both films allow Hiddleston to shine a light on the complexities of how people connect with and support one another.
Unrelated
In Unrelated, Hiddleston plays Robert, one member of a group of four friends who take a vacation together to Italy. On the surface a simple getaway, tensions and personal issues simmer beneath as the characters navigate changing dynamics within their long-term relationships. Hiddleston brings a quiet sensitivity to Robert, who finds himself feeling like a fifth wheel as one couple grows closer.
In subtle glances and gestures, Hiddleston conveys Robert’s discomfort at being left out without overt complaint. He understands the value of friendship is more important than any momentary discomfort. Scenes of Robert politely yet longingly observing the coupled friends from a distance show Hiddleston’s deft ability to express deep emotion through tiny, nuanced performances.
Robert also serves as a voice of reason when tensions flare between the others. Hiddleston balances Robert’s care for his friends with realistic frustration at their self-absorption. He never lets Robert come across as resentful, instead communicating only a desire for understanding and harmony within the group. Hiddleston brings an impressive layering of feeling to the role, revealing the complex interior life Robert keeps mostly private.
War Horse
In the epic War Horse, Hiddleston takes on the much showier role of Captain Nicholls, a British officer serving in World War I. But it is Nicholls’ bond with the titular horse Joey, played with expressiveness by animated puppetry, that gives Hiddleston a chance to shine in a more subtle performance.
When Nicholls first encounters Joey on the battlefield, Hiddleston imbues their interaction with gentle care and empathy. He understands the horse’s fear and works patiently to gain its trust. Later scenes of Nicholls caring for and talking to Joey showcase Hiddleston’s ability to emotionally connect even with a non-human co-star through eyes, voice and body language alone.
The friendship that develops between man and beast feels authentic, with Hiddleston conveying Nicholls’ deep affection without a single line of dialogue. He understands friendship is as much about unspoken understanding as words. In a heartbreaking scene, Hiddleston uses only his expressive eyes to show Nicholls’ anguish at being separated from Joey, forced to put duty before his new bond.
Final Thoughts
While very different films, Unrelated and War Horse both allow Tom Hiddleston to flex his understated acting muscles in portraying the intricacies of friendship – from complex group dynamics to cross-species connections. Hiddleston understands friendship is as much about unspoken care, respect and compassion as any big dramatic moments. He immerses into roles with sensitivity to how people quietly support one another through both joy and struggle. These performances prove Hiddleston is a master not just of blockbuster bravado, but subtlety conveying what it means to truly value others.
