Our take
This is a very nice movie about a lovely older couple named Tom and Gerri. It follows their lives for an entire year, as they work at their jobs, invite friends over for dinner, and work in their garden. They live modest but fulfilling lives, and they seem mostly happy and very much in love, a rarity in the movies. This probably sounds horribly boring to most people, but since Mike Leigh is the director, the film is instead a touching and realistic portrayal of love and how people spend their time together. We should all be so lucky as to live a life as charmed as the central couple in this film.
What it won
Oscars
1 nom
Cannes
1 nom
BAFTA
2 noms
Nat. Board of Review
2 wins
European Film Awards
2 noms
The story
During a year, a very content couple approaching retirement are visited by friends and family less happy with their lives.
Elsewhere
"Perhaps no one but Leigh could make such a character so sympathetic; perhaps no one but Leigh would then weave an entire movie around someone so tiresome."
— David Denby
"The film this year you'll want to miss but mustn't. See it. Thank us later."
— Jonathan Crocker
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Tara Goe is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services. Her work helps readers find overlooked titles worth their time.
Best movie