Summerland

Directed by Jessica Swale

British playwright, theatre director and screenwriter Jessica Swale marks her feature film debut with Summerland. It's perhaps the feel-good film of the year, as it explores many things: imagination, motherhood, the heartbreak of war and lost love, and the touching story of how a young boy named Frank (Lucas Bond) changes the life of secluded spinster Alice (Gemma Arterton).

As she begins to care for him and as they begin to open up to each other, this relationship transforms Alice, bringing happiness and love that was lost back to her life. Thanks to him, she begins to reflect on a great love she had 20 years prior. Much of the promotion and talk surrounding the film has been about the romance between Alice and Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). This romance is the thread that ties everything together, but it's not the film's sole focus. And while Mbatha-Raw doesn't have as much to do, she makes the most of her time on screen, and her scenes with Arterton are magical. She's charming and brings out a side to Alice that's rarely seen in the same woman 20 years later: someone much more joyful, in love and vigorous in youth. As said, they don't explore their relationship as much as some might hope, but Summerland still shows the complexities of same-sex love during the period.

Arterton has wonderful chemistry with the playful Mbatha-Raw, and the same can be said for her chemistry with Bond. Delivering one of the best performances by a child actor in recent years, his spirit and wisdom belies his youth. He plays a character with emotional depth, which isn't often afforded to children's roles. Frank's innocence helps break Alice down, which in turn results in Arterton's best performance to date – a moving and emotional one. She's also hilarious without even really trying to be.

Summerland offers engaging storytelling with the perfect splash of melodrama. It's a film that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, with a spectacular last half, followed by a most beautiful ending. A film that embraces childlike imagination and a pure way of looking at the world. A tale of hope, acceptance, and finding love that's much needed. (levelFILM)