This beautifully emotional short film directed by Mika Simmons shows the power of hope and unexpected friendships.
It would only be natural for a film that features two patients at very different stages in their life going through chemotherapy to have an element of sadness to it, but here in Mika Simmons’s beautiful short film there is also hope, friendship and humour that makes it captivating to watch.
Set in a brightly coloured treatment room at a hospital, retiree Mrs Foster (Joanna Lumley) is struggling to cope with her diagnosis of cancer and in turn the breakdown of her relationship with her son who has moved in with his boyfriend to her dismay. She is then introduced to lively Maisy (Ellie-Mae Siame) who helps to comfort her and change her outlook from one of negativity to one of hope.
Supported by the Create Health Foundation, My Week with Maisy knows how to pack a lot of emotions in effectively without coming across as over the top. Screenwriter Mark Oxtoby has created two detailed characters that the audience want to know more about that the 18 minutes doesn’t allow us to – both characters complement each other perfectly.
While it might seem that is clear early on exactly what direction the film will take, it doesn’t lessen the impact of the message of hope, joy and the bittersweetness of life. There is poignant moments that could be explored further if the film had been expanded further, but where it is now it feels slightly rushed to get to the end – perhaps it has tried to put too much in.
This however should not distract from the vibrancy of the performances on display here. In particular, Ellie-Mae Siame balances innocence and maturity in the way in which she brings Maisy to life and to showcase the fragility of life and how we should embrace the time that we have. Joanna Lumley’s Mrs Foster is brittle at first but again the character (perhaps slightly too quickly) blossoms to see that there is more value in hope than in despair – it is a wonderfully emotional rich performance.
Throughout the film, Mika Simmons has directed with clarity and sensitivity that keeps the audience thoroughly focused on the two characters and their journey together. It never shies away from the severity of cancer but offers a twist that gives it a more uplifting take on it. Well worth a watch.
My Week With Maisy has qualified for the 2025 BAFTAs.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐