When I saw this film recently listed on Netflix, it sounded like a cute roadtrip movie. After all, in the summary, it says "They recapture their passion for life and their love for each other on a road trip that provides revelation and surprise right up to the very end." . What I did not realize was that the film is all about death, Alzheimers and assisted suicide. Because of this, you really should be aware that this is NOT a comedy but a very dark film....very dark indeed. It's also very painful to watch...so beware!
When the story begins, an elderly couple unexpectedly leaves their home. Their son and daughter are at wits end...and you really wonder why they and the neighbor are so upset at their leaving. The scene then switches to the old folks, John and Ella Spencer (Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren) and they're on a road trip in a very old RV...and for much of the time the film seems quirky and charming. However, after a bit you realize that John has severe dementia and later you realize that Ella is dying. What's next? Well, it sure won't be pleasant!!
This is a great example of a very well acted film which I doubt most folks would really want to see. After all, talking about our mortality isn't exactly a crowd pleaser! Plus, some elements of the story might offend many and a few pieces didn't make a lot of sense (such as both nursing home portions)....but that's something you'd need to see for yourself. So, the bottom line is that you might wanna think twice about seeing this one...even if it is very well made. And, if you do see it, try to see it with someone and please take care of yourself...watching the film can be very difficult emotionally.
By the way, the title "Leisure Seeker" is a reference to the name they've given the old RV.
When the story begins, an elderly couple unexpectedly leaves their home. Their son and daughter are at wits end...and you really wonder why they and the neighbor are so upset at their leaving. The scene then switches to the old folks, John and Ella Spencer (Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren) and they're on a road trip in a very old RV...and for much of the time the film seems quirky and charming. However, after a bit you realize that John has severe dementia and later you realize that Ella is dying. What's next? Well, it sure won't be pleasant!!
This is a great example of a very well acted film which I doubt most folks would really want to see. After all, talking about our mortality isn't exactly a crowd pleaser! Plus, some elements of the story might offend many and a few pieces didn't make a lot of sense (such as both nursing home portions)....but that's something you'd need to see for yourself. So, the bottom line is that you might wanna think twice about seeing this one...even if it is very well made. And, if you do see it, try to see it with someone and please take care of yourself...watching the film can be very difficult emotionally.
By the way, the title "Leisure Seeker" is a reference to the name they've given the old RV.