The Leisure Seeker

Fugitive, 70-something grey nomads John (Sutherland) and Ella (Mirren) dust off their old Winnebago for one last trip, to visit the Florida Keys and the home of Ernest Hemingway. John is a retired literary professor and Ella has always wanted to take him there. Their disappearance scares the hell out of their grownup kids who, while pleading with them on the phone to come home, vacillate between respecting their wishes and calling the cops on their irresponsible parents.

THE LEISURE SEEKER is an at times funny, at times poignant, perhaps even confronting but also very real tale of what's waiting for us all as we near the end of our respective journeys. The film is a study of 'memento mori' and a pretty honest exploration of the gradually diminishing range of options as age and failing health catches up and overtakes even those not quite ready to call it a day.

Although it evoked a strong emotional response from the reviewing audience, it didn't feel either glib or particularly dark or depressing. Rather, it played as the celebration of a family's unembellished life and their enduring and at times conflicted love for one another.

I saw this film like a precious gift from two great actors. Their magnificent performances, the inspired script, the nuances of love, the powerful connection and the simple manner to be part from the other are more than beautiful. It is an useful film. This is its basic virtue and the heart of the emotion about it. A couple, a travel and the splendid chemistry between Hellen Mirren and Donald Sutherland. Enough for a form of stop time. For admire one of profound forms of romanticism.

Being 72, I identified with both characters, because down the line we all face these types of situations, and I will as well. So I was very sympathetic to both characters. The story is well-written and both characters are well-developed. There is something both fearful and comforting about arriving at the final stage of life. The acting and direction is superb. If one is fortunate enough to still be with the same partner at the final stages of life, then this film is a must-see for them.

I saw this at an AARP pre-screening and found it to be funny and poignant. The entire audience, composed of young and old people, laughed aloud and applauded often throughout the film. Why? Because the topic, situations presented, and dialogue resonated with experiences common to the lives of everyone watching.

The film addresses topics not often seen in films: intimate loving relationships and romance in the elderly, Alzheimer's, end-of-life issues and family dynamics involved, dying with dignity, personal choice, euthanasia and suicide. There is no preachiness; the viewers are respectfully left with an emotional invitation to reflect upon these issues for themselves. Remarkably, this is done with humour and grace, without self pity or undue sentimentality. The film is not Hollywood glitzy, it may even seem a bit drab at times, but this is part of why it rings true and makes the film work. Everything from the couple's home and basement, the RV they run off in, the campgrounds they stay in, and the nursing home they visit - all of it, remarkably familiar to most Americans. We are being asked to think about extraordinary issues relating to ordinary lives, similar to those we all lead, and it seems that this less glossy calling card works. This approach is also supported by the beautifully nuanced performances given by Mirren and Southerland as they let us into their world of romance, aging, family, incurable illness, and end-of-life choices, all while travelling the landscape of US Route #1.

From start to closing credits, group laughter, applause, and cheering revealed a palpable comradery among the audience members, which told volumes about how well the film accomplished its goal of raising awareness of important emotional, personal, social issues while still offerring an enjoyable night at the movies. I hope you have an opportunity to see it.

Loved this movie, I laughed, chuckled, giggled throughout the entire film. I cannot imagine any other actors doing such a great job w/ portraying crazy real life experiences. We all stumble as we move through the ages of life and I felt this movie did it brilliantly!