Fred (Christopher Plummer) is a recently widowed father whose daughter has moved him into a new apartment. Soon he meets next door neighbour Elsa (Shirley MacLaine), a constant dreamer hiding many secrets.
Initially wary of beginning a relationship, Fred’s gruff demeanour soon evaporates. Diving into a romance with Elsa, Fred discovers dreams can be achieved no matter one’s advancing years.
Under Michael Radford’s capable direction, Elsa and Fred is an amiable remake of a 2005 Spanish film. Coupled with the lead’s genuine chemistry, it’s easy investing in their relationship. Whilst complete opposites, their characters share the bond of lost dreams and regrets. Both have their own way with dealing with their issues as Fred withdraws from life and Elsa invents stories to escape her reality. When gradually becoming involved, only then do they reignite the missing spark in their lives and embrace the time they have left.
Refusing to take the syrupy romance motif that similar films do, Elsa and Fred revels in its light humour and drama. Mixing these well, the script is populated with solid supporting characters making for a mostly engaging romp. Occasionally more exposition could have fleshed them out better with a somewhat abrupt conclusion diluting its impact. It’s generally fun reaching that point however as it’s always a treat watching performers of the calibre of Plummer and MacLaine displaying their acting wares.
Elsa and Fred is a decent entry in the rom-com genre. The gentle humour is enlivened by the leads whose characters prove it is never too late to grasp opportunities life throws their way.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 7
Elsa and Fred is released on DVD and Digital from 18 June 2015.
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