The Leisure Seeker
What initially appears to be a run-of-the-mill roadie flick, quickly transpires into an emotionally-binding film with universal themes which should have audiences laughing and crying simultaneously.
The story surrounds Ella (Helen Mirren), an elderly lady who along with her husband John (Donald Sutherland), board their recreational van appropriately known as The Leisure Seeker and embark on what will be their final road trip.
From the onset audiences realise Ella has a mystery illness and that her husband is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
This comedy drama follows the misadventures which the elderly couple experience along their travels, but more importantly effectively explores the destructive effects Alzheimer’s has on an ageing mind and a loving relationship.
Mirren delivers a powerful performance as the strong-willed wife who hides her despair and tries to rekindle her husband’s fading memory exclaiming, “It’s nice when you forget to be forgetful!”
With just the right balance of comedy and sentimentality, audiences should be moved by this engaging and pleasurable story of love, ageing, and forgiveness.
There’s a few surprises along the way for this likeable couple who declare, “Our trips have never been so adventurous!”
A shock twist of infidelity and a heart-wrenching but satisfying conclusion. (MMo)
★★★ ½
