Second Best

Second Best is a compassionate and emotive British drama released in 1994, directed by Chris Menges and starring William Hurt, Nathan Yapp, and Keith Allen. The movie presents a profound exploration of longing, loneliness, and the complex dynamics of parenihood, intricately interwoven with elements of hope, daily-life struggle, self-understanding, and human connection.

Acclaimed actor William Hurt essays the role of Graham Holt, a single man in his early forties grappling with life in a small Welsh village. His character is a humble postmaster, a melancholy figure carrying the weight of his solitude. He yearns for change and desires to bring a sense of completion to his life by expanding his family. Holt's decision to adopt a child forms the springboard from which the story's thought-provoking narrative dives into the pool of human emotion and connectivity.

Nathan Yapp plays a show-stealing role as James, a 10-year-old youngster with a troubled past and an uncertain future. The boy is brought from London to the village by social services, which opens an opportunity for Holt to realize his adoption dream. However, the boy's estranged and unpredictable father, portrayed convincingly by Keith Allen, hovers on the periphery, adding a layer of tension to the proceedings.

The narrative smartly meanders around the journey of Holt and James, exploring the struggles of transition and acceptance that both characters traverse. The gradual development of their relationship, interspersed with joy, sorrow, discomfort, and mutual understanding, forms the emotional locus of the film. Each of them is running their own race of life, traversing personal obstacles and emotional dilemmas. While Holt has to convince the authorities of his capacity to be a good foster parent despite his solitude, James copes with his turbulent past and the confusion that results from divided loyalties.

Nuanced and evocative performances by the lead actors elevate the moving narrative of the movie. Hurt's empathetic portrayal of a lonely man in the autumn of his life, seeking solace in parenthood, is heart-touching. Simultaneously, Yapp's portrayal of a troubled boy distrustful of adults, due to his past, evokes sympathy. Keith Allen's powerful performance as a father with a questionable past, but somewhat rooted in a sense of paternal duty, adds further weight and complexity to the narrative.

Chris Menges, an established director and cinematographer, proves his ability to tell an intimate story effectively. He has also taken great care to realistically portray an average life in a small Welsh village - a backdrop that provides a fitting canvas for the emotive tale to unfold. The quality of the photography enhances the storytelling, with beautiful shots of the Welsh countryside that add depth to the human drama, reflecting both the isolation and the connection that the characters experience.

Hints of a subtext underlying the central narrative reveal philosophical musings on what constitutes a 'family' and what it is to be a 'parent'. The film also sensitively investigates topics such as societal prejudices and the social services system. These elements are subtly interwoven, making 'Second Best' a profound exploration of the human condition as well as a deeply affecting and engaging film.

The title, 'Second Best', is indicative of the thematic exploration of the movie - a reflection on life's compromises, acceptance, and getting a second chance to rectify life's disappointments. It frames the possibility of creating a meaningful life against the backdrop of inherent imperfection and the unfulfilled ideal of life's 'best' scenarios.

Although 'Second Best' encapsulates a multitude of emotions within its runtime, it never overburdens the viewer. Instead, it provides a gentle, absorbing, and, at times, a humbling experience, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate humanistic cinema. The movie stands as an honest exploration of non-traditional parenthood, weighted with the complexities of human connections, and underscored by a cautiously hopeful tone. Thus, it represents a sincere and nuanced depiction of the human condition, reaffirming the timeless notion that love, in whatever form it comes, should never be considered second best.