Loneliness in the four actions In the film “Another Year” filled with all kinds of dialogues, the master of nuances Mike Lee exposes the world of close communication for the viewer. Communication in the circle of the impeccable married couple Tom and Jerry is readily presented at all levels. A confidential conversation with her husband, a joking acquaintance with the chosen one of his son who has already stayed in bachelors, receiving guests in a cozy garden. The sense of unity, like circles on the water, diverges from a happy family and reaches the sad lonely islands, which the film presents the main character of the story Mary and several minor characters like family friend Ken or Tom's brother - old man Ronnie.
Amazing in her disarming openness, the image of Mary cuts into memory no worse than the teacher Poppy from Carefree. But if young Poppy experienced her openness to the world in a positive way, then many dark spots appeared on the pink glasses of the aging Mary. And simple joys turn into resentments for lost opportunities. The effect of communication in the home becomes the most expressive part of the film. The alien family as an ideal here and now attracts again and again, prompting to open up to the end, with all its pain and torment.
That loneliness is always different is brilliantly shown in the quiet and touchingly awkward dialogue between Mary and the equally unhappy Ronnie. "Would you like a hug?" Mary impulsively asks. Ronnie replies with tea.
The extreme ease of acting, the simplicity and accessibility of images, as if taken from a neighboring apartment, force the viewer to become in the position of “peeping”. That's just Mike Lee with truly British tact skirts all the dark corners of voyeurism, turning the mundane into a dramatic narrative with an unexpected therapeutic effect.
9 out of 10
Original