Is Anybody There? 2009

In 1987, we meet Edward (Bill Milner), a curious ten-year-old boy residing in an old people’s home run by his parents, David ([David Morrissey]) and Anne-Marie ([Anne-Marie Duff]). Amidst the atmosphere filled with the remnants of life and the presence of fading spirits, Edward becomes fascinated with uncovering proof of an afterlife, often resorting to his tape recorder to document his so-called “encounters” with the unknown.

His quest is significantly aided by Clarence (Michael Caine), a frail yet vibrant former magician in the early stages of dementia, who has recently moved into the care facility. Their first encounter occurs on a lone stretch of road, where Edward is almost struck by Clarence’s camper van, a vehicle that Clarence was adamantly living in, resisting any thoughts of settling into the home.

Irritated by the loss of his room, control of the television, and the general sense of privacy and freedom, Edward devises a plan to set off the fire alarm. As the residents trudge outside into the pouring rain, he seizes the opportunity to create chaos within the building, relishing in his moment of rebellion.

The following day, as he walks to school, Edward spots Clarence’s van, its engine ominously running. He opens the door only to be met by a cloud of carbon monoxide. With Clarence hospitalized, Edward takes the time to rummage through his belongings, discovering an array of posters showcasing Clarence’s illustrious past as a magician.

Determined to forge a deeper connection, Edward visits Clarence in the hospital, bringing along a few personal items and offering a heartfelt apology. This marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship, where both Edward and Clarence embark on a journey that enables them to confront their own life challenges.

As their bond strengthens, Edward introduces Clarence to a unique ritual he practices in a bid to contact the departed. This shared interest in magic ignites a spark within them, prompting Edward to learn tricks he can share with his classmates. On his birthday, Clarence takes Edward and his friends for a ride in the van. However, confusion at a roundabout leads to an unexpected accident. Frustrated, Clarence leaves the van by the water’s edge, ultimately leading to a poignant argument where he denies the existence of an afterlife. In a fit of anger, Edward storms off.

Later, during Edward’s birthday celebration at the home, his excitement wanes until Clarence announces he will perform magic. The audience delights in the card tricks, but one trick, intended to fake a finger being cut off, goes awry.

In a touching segment, Edward organizes a trip to visit Clarence’s wife’s grave. However, Clarence’s dementia raises its head when he fails to recognize it as her final resting place. In a moment that is both tender and profound, he mistakes Edward’s mother for his late wife, leading to an emotional reconciliation.

Tragically, Clarence eventually passes away, leaving Edward profoundly changed. Through the process, Edward gains emotional maturity, and inspired by his own parents’ earlier struggles, they decide to rekindle their relationship, motivated by a renewed sense of hope.