Mr. Church

Released in 2016, Mr. Church is a poignant drama movie that showcases the exceptional acting prowess of Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, and Natascha McElhone. Centered around the themes of friendship, kindness, and the beauty of life's unpredictable curve balls, the movie is directed by Bruce Beresford.

Eddie Murphy is popularly known for his comedic roles, but in Mr. Church, he effortlessly ventures into serious and deeply emotive territory. Murphy plays the role of Henry Joseph Church, a multifaceted man with cooking skills that could only be rivalled by a Michelin-star chef. The character is enriched by Murphy's excellent portrayal that awakens a sentimentality that resonates throughout the film. His ability to oscillate between comedic moments and deeply moving scenes is nothing short of spectacular.

Britt Robertson stars as Charlotte, a young girl who's thrust into an unusual situation when her mother, Marie, played by Natascha McElhone, becomes seriously ill. Their lives take a completely unexpected turn when they are introduced to the enigmatic and charming Mr. Church. His role initially entailed preparing meals for the ailing Marie.

However, his relationship with the mother-daughter duo goes beyond his job description and he becomes the bedrock in their lives. His intriguingly elusive character is not arrived at immediately, as layers unravel gradually throughout the film, making the audience anticipate every encounter.

Mr. Church’s story takes place over a substantial time span, from the year 1971 to 2007, following Charlotte's life from childhood till adulthood. The movie beautifully uses the passage of time to reveal the profound and lasting impact a person can have on another individual's life.

The movie is wonderfully underpinned by an authentic aura of a bygone era. Apart from the stellar performances of the cast, Mr. Church creates nostalgia-inducing atmosphere enhanced by elements such as the costume design, the locations, and the classic soundtrack orchested by Mark Isham, that transports the audience through time. It is a film that perfectly encapsulates the shift from childhood to adulthood, and the lessons learned along the way.

Natascha McElhone brings gravitas to her role, as a mother who's fiercely protective and loving towards her daughter while she battles an illness. She masterfully portrays a woman grappling with the hardships life has thrown at her. Her character's trust in Mr. Church and her eventual friendship with him is heartwarming.

Britt Robertson impressively keeps up with her more seasoned co-stars as she grows from the wide-eyed child to the fiercely independent young woman. Her character rises above the heartache of an unstable childhood to live a successful life, thanks to the unwavering support from the unlikely parental figure of Mr. Church.

The narrative goes deep into the paradoxes of human life and relationships, through the pleasantly strange yet inherently beautiful bond between Mr. Church, Marie, and Charlotte. This movie beautifully illustrates that sometimes, in the most unexpected circumstances, we find the most profound relationships and connections.

Laced liberally with emotional depth, Mr. Church can tug at the heartstrings in ways that subtly remind us of the significance of love, family, and trust. Though it takes on serious themes, it does so without becoming overly sentimental. The film's controlled treatment of these aspects makes it an emotional and enjoyable movie to watch.

Through Mr. Church, we see Eddie Murphy step out of his comfort zone, delivering a stunning performance that leaves a lasting impression. The touching storyline paired with remarkable performances from the cast presents a captivating watch that keeps the audience emotionally invested from the beginning right up to the end.

In conclusion, Mr. Church is a touching and heartfelt movie about unexpected connections, life, growth, and the power of enduring friendships. It's an emotional commentary on life’s unpredictable journey and a testament to the amazing things that can happen if you let life surprise you. This well-paced film serves as a reminder of the simple yet powerful human ties that bind us together, making it a must-watch.