“In 1950s London, a humorless bureaucrat decides to take time off work to experience life after receiving a grim diagnosis.”
While this quiet British film may not have many bells and whistles, it is a prime example of less is more.
The premise is simple, a 1950s British bureaucrat finds out his only has months to live. His eyes are suddenly open to the amount of time he’s wasted in his zombielike trance through life (in fact, one of his underlings actually nicknames him Mr. Zombie). He must decide what to do with his short amount of time remaining.
That’s it. The movie quietly, delicately, efficiently, wittily, and empathetically touches on the most profound subjects of all, mortality and the impact we leave on the world once we’ve gone. Yet, despite its heavy subject matter, I found the film to be incredibly optimistic and quite beautiful.
The reason I am giving it 9 Claire Bears instead of 10 is because I do think you need to be in the right mood to watch it. I wouldn’t recommend turning it on when you’re bored and scrolling for something to watch, this needs to be an intentional choice. My hope is that you are able to watch it and have it stay with you in the same way it’s stayed with me.
Rating: 9 out 10 Claire Bears
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If you like this movie, you should also watch: The Bookshop, Last Orders
Streaming: Available to rent or own on streaming services
With: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp
Directed By: Oliver Hermanus
Let Me Clarify 