'Mothering Sunday' Review

Arlington TX

01 April, 2022

6:49 PM

Description

By Joe Friar, Fort Worth Report March 30, 2022 Based on Graham Swift's novella, "Mothering Sunday" tells the story of an orphaned housemaid named Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young) who is given the day off by her employers (Colin Firth and Olivia Colman) only to spend it with her secret upper-class lover (Josh O'Connor) who is engaged to another woman. Beset by tragedy, we watch as Jane assimilates each experience, good and bad, on her journey to become a gifted writer. Fresh from a standout performance in 2020's "Shirley" opposite Elisabeth Moss, 24-year-old Australian actress Odessa Young, brimming with confidence, delivers a forceful portrayal of our protagonist, playing Jane at various stages in her life that range in age from 15 to 45. For a good portion of the film, she appears completely nude as does her costar Josh O'Connor. The nudity is an essential part of the story beautifully shot by French director Eva Husson who keeps the film's tone sensual without becoming erotic. The finesse exhibited by Husson who transitioned from an actor in the late 90s to a feature filmmaker just seven years ago is exemplary of a master craftsman. The year is 1924 in the aftermath of WWI. Tragedy looms in the air as families learn to cope with the loss of sons who perished in the war. Colin Firth and Olivia Colman play one of those families, Mr. and Mrs. Niven. They lost two sons and are now living hollow lives, a shell of their former selves. Mr. Niven tries to remain upbeat and strong for his withdrawn wife who can't make it through any social function without bursting into tears. Firth's tender portrayal of a grieving father is convincing as we watch the veteran actor transition from an uncomfortable smile to a foggy gaze. One can only imagine what's going through his mind. Olivia Colman spends most of her screen time brooding as if she's given up on life. It's a common occurrence for mothers who have lost a child. I witnessed my own mother go through the phase with the passing of my brother. And while the wonderful actress doesn't have many lines, there is an unforgettable scene worthy of Colman's talent as she stares Jane in the eyes and tells her "How very lucky to have been comprehensibly bereaved at birth." As the orphaned maid ingests her lady's observation, she is told that being orphaned is a gift and that she must learn to use it. To read the full article, click here. Fort Worth Report is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that produces factual, in-depth journalism about city and county government, schools, healthcare, business, and arts and culture in Tarrant County. Always free to read; subscribe to newsletters, read coverage or support our newsroom at fortworthreport.org.