45 Years
2015  From England.  Dir: Andrew Haigh.  Seen: Dec 18, 2015

A sublime two hander about a long term marriage and how even seemingly rock-solid relationships can be undermined and damaged by events in the distant past and by thoughts and feelings unspoken or not shared.

Two of Britain’s best – Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay play Kate and Geoff Mercer, married for 45 years (hence the film’s title) and planning a party to celebrate the fact. Then a letter arrives referring to an event, pre-dating their marriage but threatening to undermine it.

The mood and intensity of this film comes from the disturbing notion that a comfortable middle class long term marriage is not what it appears. There are secrets and fears presented through powerful performances from Rampling and Courtenay. No histrionics here but lots of intensity.

It’s a disturbing film in many ways but so well crafted and with breathtaking performances from Rampling and Courtenay.

I found it very rewarding.

 Score: 9.5/10