The 7:39

The 7:39 is a thought-provoking British romantic drama that was originally aired as a two-parter on BBC1 in January 2014. The movie explores the intricate issues of marital discontent, temptation, and the dilemma of whether or not to succumb to your heart's desires when they threaten to disrupt your carefully constructed life. Its potent themes of love, responsibility, and chance keep its audience gripped from the beginning to the end.

At the center of this gripping drama is Carl Matthews (David Morrissey), a middle-aged, somewhat dissatisfied, yet generally contented family man. Carl resides in a peaceful suburban neighborhood where he lives with his loving wife Maggie (Olivia Colman) and their two children. Carl finds himself stuck in his steady job, performing the monotonous daily routine without any room for excitement or change. The only relief from his mundane life is his daily commute to London, aboard the 7:39 train; a journey that Carl invariably finds himself on, day in, day out.

On one such mundane day, an unexpected encounter with an attractive and vivacious fellow commuter, Sally Thorn (Sheridan Smith), brings about a twist in Carl's story. Sally is a bright, lively character with her own complexities. In spite of being engaged to the fitness-obsessed gym owner Ryan (Sean Maguire), she's aware of the monotony creeping into her own life. The random interaction between Sally and Carl in the crowded train, fighting over an empty seat, is the start of a journey neither of them saw coming.

As days pass, the initial animosity between the two transforms into a shared understanding, companionship, and a mutual desire to break free from their everyday lives. A relationship starts to bloom in the confined carriages of the 7:39, opening up a world of possibilities, and more importantly, decisions they'd rather not confront. With every passing glance exchanged and every shared laugh, they find themselves drawn closer, navigating the blurred line between friendship, emotional intimacy, and a full-blown extra-marital affair.

The 7:39 expertly showcases the emotional journey that these characters traverse. This emotional rollercoaster ride is laden with passion, guilt, excitement, and moral dilemmas that speak volumes about human behavior, relationships, and the choices one makes.

David Morrissey brings Carl to life with a brilliant and powerful performance, making it easy for the audience to sympathize with Carl's internal struggle and his growing affection for Sally. Equally commanding is Sheridan Smith's portrayal of Sally, a woman who, despite her vibrant exterior, is battling dissatisfaction and monotony within her own life.

Olivia Colman does a tremendous job portraying the unsuspecting wife, juggling between her life as a working mother and her marital obligations to Carl. She portrays the character of a doting wife, who is oblivious to Carl's internal turmoil and his growing affection for Sally. Her role adds a dose of reality to the movie and brings forth the potential consequences of Carl and Sally's actions.

The 7:39 is a film that's brought to life by its brilliant casting, powerful performances, and well-written script by David Nicholls, author of the bestselling novel "One Day". Its narrative reflects on the tensions of suburban life, the monotonous nature of daily routines, and the allure of 'what if' scenarios.

While the storyline borders on the predictable, the movie stands out for its character development and the gradual unraveling of Carl and Sally's emotional involvement. It keeps the audience on a hook, making them ponder over every second the characters share, every word they speak, and every decision they make.

In summary, The 7:39 is a compelling drama that forces viewers to question their own moral compass, making them think about how they would react when placed in similar circumstances. It's a relatable exploration of middle-age monotony seasoned with longing, contemplation, and an emotional upheaval that leaves viewers reflecting on their journey along with that of the memorable characters.