Ethel & Ernest

Ethel & Ernest is a heartwarming British animated film first released in 2016, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Raymond Briggs. A biographical feature film, it has been hailed as a touching exploration of the 20th century through the lens of an ordinary couple, living through extraordinary times.

The film boasts an accomplished voice cast, featuring Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent and BAFTA-winner Brenda Blethyn, who lend their voices to the film's titular characters. Joining them is Luke Treadaway, who voices Raymond, the couple's artist son who serves as our introduction and guide to their world.

The narrative unfolds over several decades, from the late 1920s to the early 1970s, weaving an intimate tapestry of English life and history as seen through the couple's eyes. Ernest is a milkman, and Ethel is a lady's maid, both of them representative of the modest and hard-working middle class, the backbone of society during those turbulent times. The couple meet in 1928 and fall in love. Their lives are then chronicled against the backdrop of major historical events, including the Great Depression, World War II, the advent of television, and the moon landing, among other significant occurrences.

As with Raymond Briggs' graphic novel, the film delicately captures the ordinariness of Ethel and Ernest's lives, their quiet dreams and disappointments, their joys and sorrows, and their unwavering love for each other. It pays tribute to the silent and unassuming heroes we may often overlook—the ones who keep the world turning despite the strife happening around them.

Interestingly, Ethel & Ernest is more than just a journey through mundanity. It is also a deeply personal story for Raymond Briggs, as the characters of Ethel and Ernest are based on his own parents. Briggs' affection for these two figures is evident in every frame of this animated biopic. At the heart of the film is the delicate brushwork that evokes the warmth and charm of Briggs' original illustrations, preserving the original style of the graphic novel.

Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent bring their characters to life vividly with affectionate performances. Ethel, the stern, worrywart, but deeply caring, and Ernest, the affable, jovial, yet often naive man of the house, become real and relatable in their hands. Likewise, Luke Treadaway's tempered portrayal of Briggs, the couple's quiet and thoughtful son, provides an insightful lens through which the audience can better appreciate Ethel and Ernest's lives.

Given the span of the narrative, the film does not shy away from exploring the evolution of Ethel and Ernest's relationship overtime. It touches on more somber and complex themes, such as the couple's struggle with raising a child amidst a chaotic world, their navigation of age and mortality, and their confrontation with a rapidly changing society that often leaves them feeling displaced. The film handles these themes with such care and sensitivity, allowing viewers to resonate and empathize with the characters on a profound level.

While Ethel & Ernest is certainly a departure from the usual splashy, action-packed animation offerings of the 21st century, its understated beauty serves as its greatest strength. It stands as a heartening portrayal of lifelong love and devotion amidst changes and challenges, all the while reminding us of the simple, subtle, and often overlooked beauty of everyday life.

The film’s rich animation, emotive voice cast, and delicate handling of its themes capture the beauty of the ordinary, making this story of two regular individuals living through the 20th century a profoundly heartfelt potrait of life’s profound simplicity. It is a testament to the undying spirit of humanity, the strength effortlessly exhibited by the common folk in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Ethel & Ernest is an intimate and moving exploration of the human experience. By paying homage to the simplicity and quaint charm of everyday living, it strikes a universally identifiable chord. It's a poignant reminder that in the vast landscape of life, it's the smallest moments of love, joy, and resilience that truly define us. An essential viewing for anyone seeking a story that is personal, historical, and deeply human—all at the same time.