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Often, we end up so stuck in our ways and our thoughts that we fail to see the possibilities around us. And sometimes—as in the seaside drama Summerland—it takes an unexpected (and even unwelcome) change to give us the change in perspective that we’ve been so desperately needing.
Summerland travels to a small village in Southern England during World War II, where writer and rumored witch Alice Lamb (Gemma Arterton) keeps herself separate from the world, engrossed in her research of folklore. When she discovers that she’s been chosen to care for Frank (Lucas Bond), a young evacuee from London, she insists that he be placed somewhere else. But as Frank settles into her cottage and takes an interest in her and her work, she finds herself opening her heart to someone else for the first time in years.
Together, these two lonely characters eventually manage to find their way through this temporary arrangement. But they definitely make an unusual pair. While Frank is a lovable character, Alice isn’t one who will charm you from the beginning. In fact, she’s pretty unlikable. When she stomps through the streets of the village, people get out of her way, and her sometimes blatantly cruel behavior has earned her the nickname “The Beast on the Beach.” So when Frank is assigned to live with her, you can’t help but feel sorry for this poor, displaced little boy. He’s been removed from his home, separated from his family, and forced to stay with an angry, bitter woman who wants nothing to do with him. She repeatedly reminds him that he’ll be leaving as soon as possible, though, as their time together passes, it’s clear that she’s trying to hide her increasing fondness for him.
Eventually, then, the cracks in Alice’s façade begin to show as her story comes out. Alice is definitely rough around the edges. But that’s mostly because she’s hurt and broken, mourning the one love of her life (Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s Vera)—a love that most people would neither understand nor accept. But, in Frank, she finds someone who accepts her for who she is—her differences, her moods, and her obsession with ancient folklore. And though it brings back memories of the love she once lost, it helps her begin to heal her broken heart.
Summerland is a sweet and moving story about heartbreak and loss—and the power of love to heal years of hurts. It’s a charming and laidback drama that moves at the pace of a summer afternoon.
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