Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont 2005

The skilled indie filmmaker Dan Ireland (known for The Whole Wide World) brings a gentle and intimate touch to a charming story about family and the art of creating one. At the heart of the narrative is Joan Plowright, who portrays Mrs. Palfrey, a dignified widow seeking a fresh start in London, hoping to ease the burden she feels she imposes on her daughter. Upon her arrival at the rather shabby Claremont Hotel, not quite reflecting the idyllic vision presented in the brochure, Mrs. P’s immediate reaction conveys a mixture of disappointment and resilience:

“Oh, dear.”

As she navigates her new environment, characterized by an array of quirky hotel residents, it seems her life is facing a gradual decline. However, everything changes when she encounters young, aspiring writer Ludovic, played by the charming Rupert Friend. Through this unexpected friendship, Mrs. P discovers that genuine familial bonds can often be formed rather than strictly inherited. While the narrative may echo themes found in Tuesdays with Morrie, the deep and nuanced performances from the lead actors infuse the film with unexpected depth, enveloping the audience in a warm and comforting embrace reminiscent of a cozy shawl. In addition, the film offers valuable extras such as an insightful commentary featuring Ireland and producer Zachary Matz, alongside Plowright’s touching acceptance speech for an AARP award, and various photo galleries.