Wartime Drama with Modern Sensibilities set in Summerland
In the heart of London during the tumultuous Blitz, Alice's world is turned upside down as she is tasked with caring for a frightened and innocent young boy named Frank. This unexpected event sets the stage for a profound journey in the upcoming film, "Summerland."
At the helm of this poignant production is Olivier award-winning theatre director and playwright, Jessica Swale. Swale, who is also the Artistic Director of Red Handed Theatre Company, wrote and directed "Summerland," and was hailed Variety's Top Brits to watch in 2019 and named "best young director of period comedy" by The Guardian.
The film, set over one extraordinary and memorable long hot English summer, is a love story at its core, but it delves deep into themes of faith, spirituality, loss, and belief. It also explores the imagination, hope, open-mindedness, and the way innocence and truthfulness can uncomplicate biases and prejudices.
Alice, played by Penelope Wilton, is a reclusive woman who uses her scientific background to debunk the existence of other-worldly forces and magic. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Vera, a flamboyant, confident woman who draws Alice out of her shell. Gemma Arterton portrays Vera in the film, while Gugu Mbatha-Raw played the same part in the very first production of Nell Gwynn at The Globe.
The romance between Vera and Alice unfolds in flashbacks, with Alice having vivid memories that are haunting her. The film incorporates all types of relationships in the emotionally heightened period of a wartime setting, making it a unique and captivating watch.
The film's producer, Adrian Sturges, was drawn to the script because it offers a fresh take on a period that has been seen quite a lot in film and deals with progressive and contemporary ideas. The film's production also involved several other cast and crew members, but specific names beyond these are not detailed in the available sources. Melanie Hinze provided the German dubbing voice for Gugu Mbatha-Raw's character.
Interestingly, "Summerland" is a conceptualization of the afterlife used in paganism. Swale wrote the film to delve into these themes, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.
"Summerland" is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming period drama that explores love, faith, and the supernatural in a unique and compelling way.
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