THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY (2023, UK, 108m, 12) ***½
Drama
dist. E1 Films (UK); pr co. Ingenious Media / Essential Cinema / Free Range Films / Rose Pine Productions; d. Hettie Macdonald; w. Rachel Joyce (based on the book by Rachel Joyce); pr. Juliet Dowling, Kevin Loader, Marilyn Milgrom; ph. Kate McCullough (Colour | 1.85:1); m. Ilan Eshkeri; ed. Jon Harris, Napoleon Stratogiannakis; pd. Christina Moore; ad. Iain White.
cast: Jim Broadbent (Harold Fry), Penelope Wilton (Maureen), Earl Cave (David Fry), Linda Bassett (Queenie), Daniel Frogson (Wilf), Naomi Wirthner (Kate), Paul Thornley (Rich the T-Shirt Pilgrim), Joy Richardson (Sister Philomena), Claire Rushbrook (Farmer’s Wife), Ian Porter (Jim the Oncologist), Andrew Leung (GP), Tigger Blaize (Postman), Duggie Brown (Dog Walker).
A slight but superbly acted drama about an unremarkable man (Broadbent) who sets off on a remarkable journey. Harold lives a life without purpose until he learns an old friend is dying and vows that in walking across England to see her, his journey can keep her alive. Its messages about pilgrimage and faith driven by the human spirit are delivered in a sympathetic script, which keeps a heavy foot in reality. The lead performances of Broadbent and Wilton are superb and carry the film through its more protracted moments. Macdonald’s unobtrusive direction lets the story, and the characters, breathe, resulting in a warm and affecting experience despite the bleak nature of its subject.
