28/07/2020

Mum's List




Another film I discovered by accident, via late night on the BBC a little while ago - but one I am so glad I did.
Based on a true story - this tells the tale of Kate; an upbeat, loving, charming, beautiful and devoted wife and mother (brought stunningly to life by Emilia Fox) who upon learning that she is dying, prepares her husband Singe (Rafe Spall) and her two children for what will come, and decides to help them in adjusting to life and enjoying it to the full, even after she's gone.

It is exceedingly rare that I cry when watching any film or piece of TV, as in actually shed tears - but this is one of those rare occasions. Such a beautiful and heart-wrenching concept, delivered and presented in a totally non-fussy, simple and completely melodrama-free fashion; and the results are broadly brilliant. The fact that it is based on a true story neither detracts or enhances for me, it just is something added. It is a rarely pure and warming story, full stop.

Rafe Spall occasionally (but rarely) doesn't hit the right emotional note, and the many flashback scenes of the two protagonists, whilst necessary are occasionally over-egged, but really in terms of any complaints or things that didn't quite hit home for me: that's it. Wonderfully routed in Somerset in almost every way, stunning cinematography and scenery, a brilliantly used and delightful soundtrack, superb performances almost across the board make for a film that is beautifully tearful, and saddening in it's joy.













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