Cold Comfort Farm 1996
Directed by
John Schlesinger
Made by
Gramercy Pictures (I)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Cold Comfort Farm (1996). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
After the passing of her parents, the young and spirited Flora Poste finds herself taking refuge with her quirky friend, Mrs. Mary Smiling, a unique divorcee. With aspirations of becoming a writer, Flora concludes that the best way to support herself while pursuing her literary ambitions is to immerse herself among her many “dreadful” relatives. Although Mary proposes various alternatives, including beekeeping, Flora’s focus remains on her family.
Due to her limited financial means, her city-dwelling relatives show little interest in hosting her. In her quest for connection, Flora reaches out to her country relatives, and despite the rather unsuitable responses she receives, one particular reply piques her curiosity. Hence, she decides to spend some time with the Starkadder family on their ramshackle farm.
The Starkadders are a colorful mix of rustic, oddly endearing, and potentially unhinged characters, each harboring a secret or a fervent desire. At the heart of Flora’s journey is her yearning to uncover the ancient grievance that befell her father and the shadow of misfortune that looms over the Starkadder farm.
As she navigates this bizarre family, she discovers that her cousin Judith is ensnared in melancholy, while Judith’s spouse, Amos, harbors ambitions of leading his own unconventional religious group, known as the Quivering Brethren. However, his self-imposed burdens make for a gloomy atmosphere among the family. Meanwhile, the brothers Seth and Reuben become increasingly suspicious of Flora, convinced that she may have come to usurp their claim to the farm.
Flora soon comes to realize that, as a practical and enlightened woman, she possesses the unique talent to evaluate, encourage, and guide each family member in addressing their personal dilemmas. With her resourcefulness and modern outlook, she embarks on a mission to restore harmony to the farm and its peculiar inhabitants.
Timeline
Track the key events of Cold Comfort Farm (1996) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Flora's Parents' Passing
Flora Poste faces a significant turning point in her life with the death of her parents. This personal tragedy marks the beginning of her journey toward self-sufficiency and artistic aspirations.
Seeking Refuge
In her time of need, Flora seeks refuge with her eccentric friend, Mrs. Mary Smiling, a divorcee with a unique perspective on life. Flora hopes that this stay will provide her the emotional support she needs while pursuing her writing ambitions.
Determination to Write
Flora firmly decides to support herself through writing, believing that surrounding herself with her peculiar relatives will inspire her literary creativity. Her aspiration is to extract stories and insights from their colorful lives.
Reaching Out to Relatives
Flora's financial struggles lead her to reach out to her family members for hospitality. Despite receiving lackluster responses from her city relatives, she is determined to find a suitable place where she can connect with family.
Curiosity About the Starkadders
Amidst the unsuitable responses, Flora receives a particularly intriguing reply from the Starkadder family. Driven by curiosity, she decides to visit them at their ramshackle farm, eager to understand their world and her family history.
Meeting the Starkadder Family
Upon arrival at the Starkadder farm, Flora encounters a bizarre cast of characters. Each member of the family presents their own quirks, secrets, and desires, painting a vivid picture of life on the farm.
Exploring Family Secrets
Flora's primary goal becomes uncovering the ancient grievances that have plagued her family, particularly those surrounding her father's past. This quest fuels her motivation to delve deeper into the family's complicated history.
Judith's Melancholy
During her time with the Starkadders, Flora discovers her cousin Judith trapped in deep sadness. Flora's empathetic nature compels her to try and understand the reasons behind Judith's despair in hopes of helping her.
Amos and the Quivering Brethren
Flora learns that Judith's husband, Amos, aspires to establish his own religious group called the Quivering Brethren. His lofty ambitions cast a shadow over the family dynamic, contributing to the family's overall gloom.
Suspicion from Seth and Reuben
Flora quickly feels the tension as Seth and Reuben, family members, become suspicious of her intentions. They worry that Flora might be attempting to claim their family farm, creating an atmosphere of distrust.
Flora's Unique Talents
Recognizing her ability to evaluate and guide the Starkadders, Flora takes it upon herself to help each family member confront their personal challenges. Her practical and modern outlook becomes a source of hope for the family.
Mission of Restoration
Flora embarks on a mission to restore harmony within the quirky Starkadder household. With her resourcefulness, she aims to alleviate the burdens and grievances that have long plagued the family.
Embracing the Chaos
As Flora navigates the eccentricities of the Starkadder family, she learns to embrace the chaos around her. This acceptance helps her forge deeper connections and significantly shapes her personal growth.
Impact of Flora’s Presence
Flora's presence at the Starkadder farm begins to have a transformative effect on the family. With her encouragement, they start to confront their difficulties and work towards a more harmonious existence.
Flora’s Growth as a Writer
Through her experiences and interactions with her newfound family, Flora's writing flourishes as she develops a treasure trove of stories and insights. This journey not only shapes her writing but also her understanding of family and belonging.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Cold Comfort Farm (1996) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Flora Poste
Flora is a young, spirited woman with a clear vision of her aspirations. After her parents' passing, she seeks refuge among her quirky relatives, displaying a mix of determination and resourcefulness. Her unique ability to connect with her family members highlights her practical approach to problem-solving and her desire to bring harmony to the chaos around her.
Judith
Judith is Flora's cousin, characterized by her deep melancholy and secretive nature. Her emotional struggles reflect the family's hidden traumas, and Flora's ability to empathize with her provides an opportunity for growth. Judith's journey intertwines with Flora’s, showcasing the theme of overcoming despair and finding one's place within the family.
Amos
Amos is Judith's spouse with ambitions to lead the Quivering Brethren, a religious group. His self-imposed burdens and gloomy demeanor cast a shadow over the family dynamic, making him a formidable yet intriguing character. His journey alongside Flora's highlights the challenges of personal ambition and family responsibility.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Cold Comfort Farm (1996), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Location
Starkadder farm, countryside
The Starkadder farm is a ramshackle yet charming property in the countryside, known for its quirky inhabitants and rustic charm. Surrounded by nature, it embodies a sense of both peace and peculiarities, filled with secrets and family history. This setting plays a crucial role in Flora's journey as she navigates family dynamics and uncovers hidden grievances.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Cold Comfort Farm (1996). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Family Dynamics
The movie intricately explores the complexities of family relationships, showcasing how Flora Poste interacts with her peculiar relatives. Each character's hidden desires and grievances are brought to light through her guidance, emphasizing the importance of connection and understanding within a family unit. It highlights the struggles and strengths that come from familial bonds.
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Aspiration and Identity
Flora's journey represents a quest for self-identity and aspiration as she aims to support herself through writing. Her experiences with her relatives not only serve as inspiration for her literary ambitions but also challenge her concept of who she is and where she comes from. This theme reflects the struggle between personal desires and familial obligations.
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