This endearing film adaptation of Ben Weatherill’s play really captures the bittersweetness of finding love later in life.
It is very rare on screen that audiences get a chance to experience a romance that is set around two characters who are later on in their lives and this endearing film directed by Sean Mathias (who also directed the play when it was staged) shows the value of more stories like it.
Adapted for the film by Martin Sherman and based on Ben Weatherill’s two hander play (which also saw Ian McKellen and Roger Allam starring as Percy and Frank), the story follows the blossoming friendship between Frank and Percy who are lonely in their different ways. Frank’s wife sadly passed away and now the main company he has at home is lodger Emily as well as his dog Toffee. Percy meanwhile is still trying to find romantic purpose by signing up for a dating app, leading to a series of disastrous (but hilariously done here) dates.
Frank and Percy gradually get to know each other by walking their dogs on Hampstead Heath and as they do so, their relationship deepens to wonderful heartwarming effect. Directed with great sensitivity there is a real sweetness and grounded nature to every scene that is really appealing to watch – there is nothing unauthentic here.
There maybe some that find the sentimentality on display a little too much in places, but it is also a film designed to be hopeful and joyous. Its easy going nature by turns charms and gradually draws the audience further into Frank and Percy’s world.
The film is wonderfully pin point focused and there is a lovely bittersweetness to the comedy – such as when Stephen Fry (as Percy’s waspish ex-partner) bluntly discusses his illness or even when Percy when walking through the grave yard after a funeral proclaiming ‘ Oh My God! I had him!’ . There are plenty of unexpected moments that are dotted throughout.
Mathias directs with warmth and soul, really bringing out the best of the cast and the story. Ian McKellen as Percy has plenty of charm and warmth on the surface but the moment something scares him or takes him out of his comfort zone it is a transformative moment as his character withdraws cruelly. Allem’s turn as Frank is endearing to watch as his character comes out his shell and rediscovers the joy in life.
But they are surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast. In particular, Joanna Lumley as Belinda is wonderfully insightful and knows how to deliver such a simple line (such as ‘How lucky you are to have a broken heart at 77’) and give it such poignancy to make you sit up and pay attention. There are also some wonderful unexpected cameo performances from Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner as Percy’s dates give the film a nice lift as well.
Overall, Frank and Percy makes for a lovely comforting film to watch and particularly to see Allem and McKellen delivering such well rounded and engaging performances.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️