45 Years 2015
Directed by
Andrew Haigh
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Five years after Kate and Geoff Mercer were forced to cancel their 40th wedding anniversary due to Geoff’s heart bypass surgery, the affluent, childless couple from Norfolk are gearing up to celebrate their 45th anniversary surrounded by friends at the Assembly House in Norwich. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when Geoff receives a letter revealing that the body of Katya, his former German lover from the early 1960s, has been uncovered in a melting glacier—where she tragically fell into a crevasse during a hike in Switzerland over fifty years ago.
Although Kate has previously learned about Katya from Geoff, she initially appears unfazed by his growing unrest. Geoff explains that he and Katya had posed as a married couple to share a room during the more conservative 1960s, leading the Swiss authorities to regard him as Katya’s next of kin.
As the days progress and the anniversary celebrations approach, Geoff’s mood darkens, prompting him to revert to smoking. One night, while rummaging through the attic, he looks through memorabilia associated with Katya and hesitantly shares a picture of her with an increasingly agitated Kate, who is struck by the resemblance between herself and Katya when they were younger, both sporting dark hair.
While Geoff is at a reunion luncheon, Kate decides to venture into the attic, where she discovers his scrapbook filled with mementos from his time with Katya, including pressed violets from their last hike together. In addition, she finds a carousel slide projector next to a makeshift screen that showcases their memories in Switzerland. To her horror, Kate discovers slides indicating that Katya was pregnant at the time of her death.
Feeling betrayed, Kate begins smoking again and confronts Geoff about his peculiar behavior after discovering his interest in trips to Switzerland—without disclosing her attic findings. She expresses her belief that many of their life choices have been unwittingly influenced by Katya. Geoff reassures her that their marriage will undergo a “fresh start,” which he attempts to demonstrate the following morning by serving breakfast in bed.
The anniversary party takes place in the historic Grand Hall, where Geoff delivers an emotional speech, affirming his love for Kate. As they prepare for their first dance, the same song that played at their wedding—“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” by The Platters—fills the air. While Geoff exuberantly dances, Kate starts to feel increasingly uncomfortable and stiff. As the song concludes, Geoff raises their hands in celebration, but Kate abruptly pulls her arm down, leaving her feeling isolated amidst the revelery. Despite the joyous occasion, she finds herself alone on the dance floor, contemplating the rift forming between them.
Timeline
Cancellation of 40th Anniversary
Five years prior, Kate and Geoff Mercer had to cancel their 40th wedding anniversary celebration due to Geoff's heart bypass surgery. This event acts as a turning point in their relationship, introducing health concerns that will resurface as they prepare for their next milestone.
Preparation for 45th Anniversary
As Kate and Geoff prepare for their upcoming 45th anniversary, they plan to celebrate with friends at the Assembly House in Norwich. The anticipation is palpable, setting the stage for the unraveling of hidden emotions and memories.
Discovery of Katya's Body
Geoff receives a letter that reveals the body of Katya, his former lover, has been found in a melting glacier in Switzerland. This shocking news disturbs the couple's preparations, bringing up past relationships that Geoff has kept hidden.
Geoff's Growing Unrest
In the wake of the revelation about Katya, Geoff begins to show signs of distress and becomes increasingly withdrawn. While Kate tries to maintain normalcy, Geoff's unresolved feelings start to affect their dynamic as a couple.
Attic Discovery
One night, Geoff rummages through the attic and shares a photograph of Katya with Kate. This moment heightens Kate's unease, especially when she notices the striking resemblance between herself and Katya, which stirs up feelings of jealousy and insecurity.
Kate Finds the Scrapbook
While Geoff attends a reunion luncheon, Kate explores the attic further and makes a shocking discovery. She stumbles upon a scrapbook filled with memorabilia from Geoff's past, including their last hiking trip together, deepening her feelings of betrayal.
The Pregnant Revelation
As Kate continues to explore Geoff's scrapbook, she comes across slides that suggest Katya was pregnant when she died. This revelation devastates Kate, leading her to question the choices they have made in their marriage and her husband's commitment.
Confrontation with Geoff
Feeling betrayed by Geoff's secrecy, Kate confronts him about his strange behavior regarding their planned trip to Switzerland. Although she keeps her attic discovery hidden, she expresses her belief that Katya's shadow looms over their life choices.
Geoff's Promise for a Fresh Start
In an attempt to reassure Kate, Geoff promises a 'fresh start' for their marriage. He tries to demonstrate this with simple gestures, like preparing breakfast in bed, but the underlying tension remains palpable and unresolved.
Anniversary Party Begins
The couple's anniversary celebration kicks off in the historic Grand Hall, filled with friends and good cheer. Geoff even delivers a heartwarming speech, reaffirming his love for Kate, yet the atmosphere is heavy with unspoken feelings.
First Dance to 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes'
During the first dance, the song 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' plays, reminiscent of their wedding day. While Geoff dances joyfully, Kate feels increasingly uncomfortable, signifying the emotional distance growing between them.
Kate's Isolation on the Dance Floor
As the song concludes, Geoff exuberantly raises their hands in celebration, but Kate abruptly pulls her arm down. This moment encapsulates her feelings of isolation and signals the uncertainty in their relationship amidst the festivities.
Characters
Kate Mercer (Charlotte Rampling)
Kate is an introspective and emotionally complex character who grapples with feelings of insecurity and betrayal as her husband's past resurfaces. Initially unflinching, she eventually confronts her emotions, revealing a deep-seated fear of being overshadowed by Geoff's former love, Katya. Her journey is one of discovery and self-evaluation, as she seeks to reconcile her life with the weight of hidden truths.
Geoff Mercer (Tom Courtenay)
Geoff is portrayed as a man wrestling with nostalgia and the long shadow of his past love, Katya. His internal conflict emerges vividly as he struggles between his past affections and his present commitment to Kate. The emotional strain of the revelation about Katya profoundly impacts his demeanor, shedding light on his vulnerabilities and the complexities of long-lasting love.
Setting
Time period
1960s, Present Day
The narrative juxtaposes the conservative 1960s, a time marked by social restraint and traditional values, against the present-day struggles of a couple dealing with the implications of the past. Themes of nostalgia and the impact of previous relationships intertwine as the characters navigate their own evolving dynamics in a significantly changed social landscape.
Location
Norfolk, Assembly House, Norwich, Switzerland
The film is set in Norfolk, England, where the affluent couple Kate and Geoff prepare to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary at the Assembly House, a historic venue known for its elegant architecture and beautiful settings. Additionally, key memories unfold in Switzerland, a scenic location renowned for its dramatic landscapes and hiking trails, which serve as a backdrop to Geoff’s past with his former love, Katya.
Themes
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Regret
Regret permeates the film as Kate grapples with the unexpected resurgence of Geoff's past relationship with Katya. This theme manifests in the couple's interactions, highlighting how unacknowledged feelings from the past can disrupt present happiness. Kate's journey emphasizes the emotional complexities of love, fidelity, and the shadows cast by unresolved histories.
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Discovery
The theme of discovery is central to the plot, particularly as Kate uncovers remnants of Geoff's life with Katya. Each item found in the attic serves to peel back layers of their marriage, revealing truths that challenge Kate's understanding of her relationship. This exploration ultimately leads to introspection and confrontation between the couple.
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Isolation
As the celebration of their anniversary unfolds, a feeling of isolation envelops Kate despite the surrounding festivities. The emotional distance created by buried secrets and unmet expectations brings to light the theme of personal isolation within a shared life. Kate’s internal conflict underscores how even in moments meant for joy, loneliness can seep in, fracturing the facade of togetherness.
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