Susan Granger’s review of “How About You” (Strand Releasing)
It’s late fall when free-spirited Ellie (Hayley Atwell) begs her uptight, widowed sister Kate (Orla Brady) for a job at her residential elder-care home in the Irish countryside. Rebellious Ellie’s saving for another round-the-world adventure, and her timing is perfect since Kate’s disgruntled staff seems to be leaving faster than the residents. So she begins to learn to care for the selfish, cantankerous crones who have nowhere else to go. There’s the retired actress, Georgia (Vanessa Redgrave), who hates to drink martinis alone; the former alcoholic judge, Donald (Joss Ackland), who demands his breakfast be served in his room at six a.m.; the bickering spinster sisters, artistic Hazel (Imelda Staunton) and domineering Heather (Brenda Fricker); and, briefly, ailing Alice (Joan O’Hara) who is determined to enjoy every last moment of her life. Just before Christmas, harried Kate abruptly departs to care for their ailing mother, leaving inexperienced Ellie in charge. How will she handle these bitter, hateful seniors over the holiday season? Adapted by Jean Pasley from a short story, “The Hardcore,” by Maeve Binchy and directed by Anthony Byrne, it tackles the edgy topic of old age with extraordinary empathy, capturing all of the poignant regrets, frustrations, resentments and loneliness, occasionally softening the agitation with marijuana, along with Christmas spirit. While it has the humor of “Grumpy Old Men” and “Calendar Girls,” it’s also touching, like “Enchanted April” and “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont,” gently stressing the need for companionship, giving each character not only a backstory but also a transformation. As one would expect from this veteran cast, the performances are superb, inspiring newcomer Hayley Atwell. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “How About You” is an irreverent, sweetly exuberant 7, exploring loss in all of its ramifications.
