Every now and then a little gem of a movie comes along that tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us of what it is to be human.The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is one such movie. Based on the 2012 bestselling novel by Rachel Joyce, this story is an odyssey which reminds us that hope is a journey.
Harold Fry is a simple man with a simple life but without much purpose. In his 60’s he is content to live a quiet life fading into the background. Harold’s life with his wife Maureen is uneventful and their marriage has been frozen by an unspeakable conflict relating to the absence of their only son.
When Harold learns his friend, Queenie is dying he writes her a letter. He sets off to the post office to send the letter and decides to keep walking: all the way to her hospice 450 miles away. He meets with kindness and sometimes awe along the way, proving that kindness is less rare than you think.
As he journeys through England Harold vows that his quest will keep Queenie alive. His oft repeated phrase is “ Must not die.” The story is full of hope and reminds us that it is never too late to make a difference or take a chance.
Filled with snapshots of the English countryside, this film was directed by Hettie McDonald with the screenplay written by the book’s author, Rachel Joyce. Starring the fabulous Jim Broadbent as Harold and Penelope Wilton as his tight lipped wife, Maureen, we see both leads embark on their own very different journeys. Earl Cave plays their son. Academy Award – winner, Broadbent carries much of the movie alone. He shines as brightly as ever in this poignant role of a man trying to bring some meaning to a life full of regret.
You’ll need your tissues for this heartfelt narrative about owning up to your mistakes, love, friendship and hope. There was not a dry eye as we left the cinema. This unlikely journey will be in cinemas June 8.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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