Daisies in December

Daisies in December is a charming made-for-television British movie that first aired in 1995. Starring Joss Ackland, Jean Simmons, and Pippa Guard, it is a warm-hearted, perceptive look into the world of elderly love and companionship, combined with themes of grief, acceptance and the discovery of joy in unexpected places.

From the outset, it quickly becomes apparent that Daisies in December is not your typical love story. It revolves around an archetypal curmudgeon named George Palmer, played by the exceptional Joss Ackland. George is a grumpy, fiercely independent, retired lawyer, who has been living a desolate life since the death of his loving wife. Ackland delivers a tour de force performance, convincingly sketching out his character's pain, loneliness, and bitterness.

Ackland's George is sent to the sunny Portuguese Algarve for a winter vacation by his overly concerned daughter, Judy (Pippa Guard). Judy, grappling with the dilemma every adult faces -- caring for an aging parent and managing her own family – is trusting that perhaps sunshine would dispel George's gloom. Guard, without overly dramatizing, vividly brings out the stress and concern of a daughter trying her best to bring the light back into her father's life.

The Algarve, in all its beauty and tranquillity, functions as a silent character in the film, playing an instrumental role in George's journey of emotional healing. However, he staunchly resists any attempt to break his isolation and create a social life.

The transformative twist in George's life comes in the form of Katherine Palmer (Jean Simmons). The character is a warm-hearted widow living in the same retirement community. Katherine is delightfully played by Simmons, who skillfully presents a stark contrast to Ackland's George with her warmth, generosity, and contagious spirit of life. Her character shines as the epitome of resilience and the will to enjoy life despite its adversities.

The film's narrative takes an interesting turn with Katherine’s relentless attempts to penetrate George's hard shell. Sure enough, his initial disdain and standoffishness slowly evolve into fondness. The nuanced interaction between the two, as they explore companionship, grappling with their shared loneliness, forms the crux of the film. Their relationship subsequently takes on the overtones of an emotionally tender, late-life romantic saga, as they navigate a shared path in a world they thought they had no part in anymore.

Director Herbert Wise, who has made his career largely in television, employs and underplays the bright, picturesque surrounds of Portugal to contrast and compensively address the gloom within George's heart. The cinematic details of the idyllic Portuguese countryside, with its coastal settings, golf courses, and comfortable retirement community, are interlaced into the movie’s narrative. It's worth noting that Wise toes a sensitive yet comfortable line when dealing with such inherently emotional subjects.

Daisies in December also touches on the vibrant yet often overlooked lives of the elderly. It offers a candid, bittersweet exploration of how older people deal with loss, grief, and the need for companionship. It lends a dignified view to the lives of the elderly, their dreams, their desires, and their relevance, which is often lost in a world that moves too fast.

The movie effectively challenges stereotypes about aging and love and nudges viewers to recognize that affection, companionship, and the need to be loved and understood are not the prerogatives of just the young. Instead, it signifies the universal human longing for connection, regardless of the stage of life one is in.

Moreover, the layered performances from the ensemble cast bring depth to every character, ensuring that each one leaves a lasting impression. The script, by Andrew Davies, is sharp, sensitive, and intelligent, contributing to the overall brilliance of the movie.

Overall, Daisies in December is a strikingly beautiful film about love, togetherness, acceptance and the warmth of human connections. It's a heart-tugging experience that manages to be both moving and humorous, providing a poignant snapshot of late-life romance and friendships. Just as the titular daisies, it shows that life, love and bloom could find their place even amidst desolation and grief. It is a movie that instills grace to the aging process and accentuates that life, at any stage and age, holds the potential for beauty, poignancy, and vibrant interpersonal connection.