Ella & John - The Leisure Seeker

I saw this film like a precious gift from two great actors. Their magnificent performances, the inspired script, the nuances of love, the powerful connection and the simple manner to be part from the other are more than beautiful. It is an useful film. This is its basic virtue and the heart of the emotion about it. A couple, a travel and the splendid chemistry between Hellen Mirren and Donald Sutherland. Enough for a form of stop time. For admire one of profound forms of romanticism.

I saw this at an AARP pre-screening and found it to be funny and poignant. The entire audience, composed of young and old people, laughed aloud and applauded often throughout the film. Why? Because the topic, situations presented, and dialogue resonated with experiences common to the lives of everyone watching.

The film addresses topics not often seen in films: intimate loving relationships and romance in the elderly, Alzheimer's, end-of-life issues and family dynamics involved, dying with dignity, personal choice, euthanasia and suicide. There is no preachiness; the viewers are respectfully left with an emotional invitation to reflect upon these issues for themselves. Remarkably, this is done with humour and grace, without self pity or undue sentimentality. The film is not Hollywood glitzy, it may even seem a bit drab at times, but this is part of why it rings true and makes the film work. Everything from the couple's home and basement, the RV they run off in, the campgrounds they stay in, and the nursing home they visit - all of it, remarkably familiar to most Americans. We are being asked to think about extraordinary issues relating to ordinary lives, similar to those we all lead, and it seems that this less glossy calling card works. This approach is also supported by the beautifully nuanced performances given by Mirren and Southerland as they let us into their world of romance, aging, family, incurable illness, and end-of-life choices, all while travelling the landscape of US Route #1.

From start to closing credits, group laughter, applause, and cheering revealed a palpable comradery among the audience members, which told volumes about how well the film accomplished its goal of raising awareness of important emotional, personal, social issues while still offerring an enjoyable night at the movies. I hope you have an opportunity to see it.

Being 72, I identified with both characters, because down the line we all face these types of situations, and I will as well. So I was very sympathetic to both characters. The story is well-written and both characters are well-developed. There is something both fearful and comforting about arriving at the final stage of life. The acting and direction is superb. If one is fortunate enough to still be with the same partner at the final stages of life, then this film is a must-see for them.

I have been telling as many friends as possible about this movie. I am 85, a widow, and lots of my friends are my age or older. There were so many things that didn't quite ring true here....Mirren was wonderful but she isn't really able to sell a chatty woman with a Southern accent, less educated person than her husband. I've had several Alzheimers sufferers in my life and in many ways Sutherland didn't seem to fit the bill. For instance I wonder if he could really drive that house trailer. But, in spite of absolutely everything the total story rang true and had a strong effect on me.

Love Helen Mirren, who is something of a national treasure. Similarly, the subject matter and how the film was advertised (although being in the shadow of other films released at the same time, ones people are more likely to go and see, so was not advertised as much and wasn't done so enough) interested and appealed to me.

While not a great film, 'The Leisure Seeker' to me was a good lovely film and achieved at what it set out to do, in portraying the realities of people's final stages and appreciating people you are with more or even more. For me, it is much better than the mixed reviews it's gotten, don't agree personally that it's wasted by the story or has little to say. Have not read the book, having had no knowledge of it, but regardless of how it compares will compare 'The Leisure Seeker' as a standalone and as an overall film. To me that is a much fairer way to judge, especially when there are films or adaptations that may be bad adaptations of source material but are good to great films on their own merits, old and new.

Sure, surprises are very few, it is a predictable film. Especially the ending, one that is obvious too early and didn't ring true and somewhat contrived somehow to me.

Also felt that the political elements were heavy-handed and not necessary. The accidental joining of the anti-Donald Trump rally is amusing, but for somebody who has gotten sick and tired of constantly hearing about Trump (will briefly say he is one of my least favourite people ever), the political elements was something that the film could easily have done without.

On the other hand, Donald Sutherland and especially Helen Mirren are wonderful in the lead roles and have a very charming and touching chemistry together, their characters very rootable. The rest of the cast are solid, but their characters are nowhere near as interesting as the leads. There is the odd funny moment but lots of heart-wrenching ones, did reach for my tissue pack more than once. The two are balanced beautifully.

'The Leisure Seeker' is very nicely filmed and competently directed, allowing the leads to shine and mixing comedy and drama with little problem. The music fits well and the script not only achieves delivering on both the comedy and drama but also as aforementioned balancing them together. The story is charming, sweet and poignant, with thought-provoking moments and makes one feel inspired and appreciative. What it says may not be much new, but it doesn't not have anything to say. The pace never felt dull.

In summary, lovely though flawed film that is better than given credit for. 7/10 Bethany Cox