Summerland

Summerland from 2020 is a drama-fantasy tale set amidst the ravages of World War II that beautifully merges historical elements with intriguing folklore and searing emotion. This captivating narrative thrives under the direction of Jessica Swale, making her feature directorial debut, who meticulously intertwines human loves, losses, and redemptions, minting Summerland as a cinematic delight.

From the outset, the movie is grippingly inhabited by Gemma Arterton starring as Alice, a passionate reclusive writer and folklore investigator living on the atmospheric cliffs of the Southern English coastline. Arterton delivers an exquisite performance showcasing a range of human facets, from loneliness to courage, adversity to acceptance. She reflects a unique paradox in her character by portraying the intellectual rigor of a scholar while also diving deep into the world of folklore, seeking mythical ideas to unveil reality.

Contrasting strongly with Alice's firm disbelief in superstitions is Frank, a young, evocative boy brilliantly portrayed by Lucas Bond. His character appears on the scene as a London Blitz evacuee, entrusted under the unwilling Alice's care. Their relationship initially bristles with tension as the isolated Alice is averse to the idea of sharing her home with a child. However, as the storyline unfolds, a unique bond brimming with amiability, empathy, and care is established between the stoic writer and her young tenant.

Amongst the backdrop of Alice’s rigorous research on summerland, a mythical paradise believed by pagans to come after death, the movie accentuates the transition from academia's dry certainty to the heart's wild imagination. The movie weaves folklore, pagan myths, and Alice’s scholarly investigations into a tale that resonates universally, exploring the life-altering powers of love, loss, and the human spirit's resilience.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw brings another layer of complexity with her character, Vera, Alice's former lover. Vera’s character represents a key element in Alice's past and the memories of their relationship bring a level of nuance and depth to Alice’s character, propelling forward the emotional narrative of the movie. Penelope Wilton, who plays the older version of Alice, adds gravitas to the storyline reflecting on her past with wisdom and regret as she narrates parts of the story.

The brilliance of the movie is most evident in how it delicately balances the impact of war on everyday lives and the innocence of childhood, without trivializing either. The narrative is skillfully layered with moments that make you chuckle, well-up with emotion, and reflect on the immense human capacity for love, making for a deeply absorbing watch.

Set and filmed in East Sussex, the movie creates a picturesque canvas of the breathtaking English country backdrop. The cinematography marvelously captures the lonely beaches, charmingly rugged cliffs, and Alice's farmhouse abode, providing a visual treat to the viewers. Complementing the compelling storyline and riveting performances are the movie's production design and costumes, which convincingly recreate the World War II era, capturing the essence of both the time's elegance and havoc.

Moreover, the movie's score, receding yet impactful, beautifully parallels the fine line the narrative traverses between reality, imagination, folklore, and history. The music stirs emotions without overwhelming the subtle character moments, guiding the viewers through the insightful exploration of life, love, and the human heart's myriad complexities.

In summary, Summerland is a testament to Jessica Swale's prowess as a director, presenting an intricate weave of emotions and historical events. Coupled with the charismatic performances by the star-studded cast, the film offers a thought-provoking examination of our collective past, challenging the boundaries of love, life, loss, gender roles, and societal norms. It is not just a wartime tale but a beautiful study of human relationships, personal growth, and the eternal quest to understand the purpose of life.