A Month in the Country

A Month in the Country, directed by Pat O'Connor and released in 1985, is a British period drama that skillfully relays a sense of time, place, and mood. This movie is an adaptation of J.L. Carr's novel of the same name and stars notable actors Richard Briers, Eleanor Bron, Phyllis Calvert, and Ian Charleson.

The storyline unfolds in the British countryside in the summer of 1920, capturing a time when the world was gradually healing from the ghastly wounds inflicted by World War I. It is the story of two war veterans, James Moon (played by Kenneth Branagh) and Tom Birkin (played by Colin Firth). Both men are dealing with the painful aftermath of war and are trying to reintegrate into society.

Tom Birkin, a young wartime survivor suffering from shell shock and having a facial twitch as a physical manifestation of his trauma, has found temporary work with the local church. He is tasked with restoring a medieval mural hidden beneath layers of whitewash. While the meticulous work of peeling back layers to reveal the beautiful artwork parallels his slow process of emotional healing, Ian Charleson deftly portrays Birkin's gradual rejuvenation as he rediscovered purpose, peace, and a spark of faith.

In contrast, James Moon (Kenneth Branagh) is an archaeologist excavating a suspected medieval burial site in the churchyard, looking for physical remnants of the past. He is simultaneously trying to come to terms with both the destruction of war and his homosexuality during an era where this was widely unacceptable.

Within the heart of the tranquil countryside, the movie accentuates the significant distinction between nature's enduring peace and the torment endured by both men internally. The astonishing cinematography creates a contrasting cushioning tranquility that provides an atmospheric, verdant background to the character's introspectives journeys.

Richard Briers portrays the Reverend Keach, the local vicar, with a balanced mix of religious austerity and hidden empathy. Eleanor Bron plays his younger, compassionate wife Alice. Phyllis Calvert provides an emotive performance as Mrs. Ellerbeck, a chapel-goer with a vivid personality and deeply empathetic nature. She provides Birkin with unexpected friendship that plays a crucial role in his healing process.

A Month in the Country beautifully highlights the themes of recovery, solace, and small acts of kindness; it portrays how healing can come from unexpected quarters and transformations can come through time and patience. It reflects upon how individuals carry their private torments and try to find their paths in the humanity around them. With a deliberately paced plot and careful attention to character developments, the narrative successfully engenders a sense of calm and contemplation.

Director Pat O'Connor has masterfully executed the film by basing it around the core of the narrative rather than attempting to impose a fast-paced plot upon it, allowing the cinematography, score, and sound design to work in exquisite harmony to paint the characters and their surroundings.

O'Connor finds a way to use the majestically captured landscapes, the changing seasons, and the nuanced performances of his cast to reflect the emotional states of his characters. The simple, unhurried pace of the narrative celebrates the countryside's curative effects and illuminates the depth of the human spirit's resilience, making A Month in the Country not just an exploration of the after-effects of war but also a thoughtful study of human resilience and recuperation.

While this BAFTA nominated film may require a certain taste for quiet, reflective cinema as opposed to fast-paced adrenaline fuelling plots, it offers an emotionally rich and visually stunning portrayal of human struggle and recovery that might just make it well worth your while.

Ultimately, A Month in the Country is a picturesque and emotive journey into the human spirit's remarkable resilience, filled with powerful performances, scenic beauty, and a stirring narrative of personal healing and redemption.