Is Anybody There? 2009

In 1987, ten-year-old Edward (Bill Milner) resides in a peculiar old people’s home, where the constant presence of death and mortality fuels his insatiable curiosity about the afterlife. His parents (David Morrissey and Anne-Marie Duff), who run the establishment, are oblivious to their son’s obsession with capturing evidence of an existence beyond this life through the use of a tape recorder.

Edward’s fixation on the unknown is unwittingly piqued by Clarence (Michael Caine), a former magician in the early stages of dementia, who has recently taken up residence at the home. The two meet under unconventional circumstances when Clarence’s camper van nearly runs Edward over on the road outside the facility. Initially resistant to settling into the home, Clarence had been living out of his vehicle, and Edward’s chance encounter with him sparks a series of events that will forever alter their lives.

As Edward navigates the challenges of growing up amidst the backdrop of mortality, he finds solace in his friendship with Clarence. However, his frustration with the limitations imposed by the home’s residents leads him to set off the fire alarm one fateful day. While everyone is distracted outside, Edward indulges in a moment of mischief and freedom.

The following morning, Edward encounters Clarence’s van on his way to school, its engine still running, and he can’t resist taking a peek inside. Clarence, who has been hospitalized after a carbon monoxide incident, is forced to confront the reality of his own mortality through his possessions. Amongst the mementos, Edward discovers show bills from Clarence’s past magic acts, which serve as a catalyst for their subsequent adventures together.

As their bond grows stronger, Edward and Clarence embark on a series of escapades that allow them to come to terms with their respective situations. The boy introduces Clarence to his peculiar rituals, aimed at contacting the dead, while Clarence teaches Edward some basic magic tricks to impress his peers. On Edward’s birthday, Clarence takes him and his friends on a joyride in the camper van, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when they get lost at a roundabout, leading to a chaotic pileup.

As tensions rise, Clarence becomes disillusioned with life and the concept of an afterlife. His frustration boils over, and Edward, feeling hurt and betrayed, storms off. However, the tide turns when the home throws a party in honor of Edward’s birthday, and Clarence offers to perform some magic tricks. The card games go smoothly, but things take a dark turn when Clarence attempts to pretend to cut off his own finger.

In the aftermath of this mishap, Edward decides to organize a bus trip to visit Clarence’s wife’s grave. However, as Clarence’s dementia begins to show, he becomes increasingly confused about the true nature of their destination. Edward’s parents pick them up, and in a poignant moment, Clarence mistakes Edward’s mother for his estranged wife, leading to a heartwarming reconciliation.

Throughout these events, Edward and Clarence forge an unbreakable bond, one that allows them to confront their mortality and find solace in each other’s company.

As the somber silence settles over the scene of Clarence’s gentle departure from life, a profound shift begins to unfold within Edward. The emotional scars he once bore like a heavy burden now slowly start to heal, allowing his heart to open up to the possibility of redemption and second chances. It becomes clear that Edward’s parents, who had once struggled with their own relationship issues, have been quietly observing their son’s growth from afar. With Clarence’s passing serving as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, they are inspired to re-examine their own bond and make amends for past hurts. As the family navigates this new chapter, Edward finds himself at the forefront of a journey towards healing, forgiveness, and the pursuit of a more fulfilling future.