Our Review

       Movie:  THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE                                  OF HAROLD FRY

                           Rating: NR`

                          Length: 1:48

     Release Date: September 20, 2024  

Jeanne: As far as casting two leads for a movie, one cannot do better than Jim Broadbent and Dame Penelope Wilton DBE. Both these actors are impeccable in whichever roles they choose, and together they bring Harold and Maureen Fry, a couple stuck in a lackluster marriage, brilliantly back to life.

Based on the novel of the same name by Rachel Joyce, who is also responsible for the screenplay, and directed by Hettie Macdonald, THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is a story about courage and redemption. Harold is a recent retiree who has lived a quiet existence, and one of little purpose. He and Maureen go about their daily lives with very little synergy. Their relationship has suffered greatly due to the absence of their son.

When Harold learns that his old friend and co-worker, Queenie (Linda Bassett, so wonderful in “Call the Midwife”), is dying, he makes a rash decision to walk 450 miles to see her. His hope is that Queenie will be encouraged to stay alive until he reaches her. As Maureen waits --- and worries --- at home, Harold’s journey catches the attention of the public and he becomes a sort of national hero.

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is a lovely movie with many meaningful themes of loss, grief, failure, guilt --- and then hope, healing and recovery. And Broadbent perfectly expresses these themes and executes them. His earnestness is palpable and relatable. Harold isn’t necessarily a hero, but Broadbent certainly makes him seem like one.

Wilton plays long-suffering Maureen with the quiet reserve of a master. Known for her many successful roles, particularly Isobel Merton in “Downton Abbey”, this accomplished actor can change the tenor of a scene with just one expression. Maureen’s initial shock and dismay at Harold’s split-second departure is heartbreaking. But she does manage to overcome her disappointment --- in the end when Harold wants to quit, reminding him how close he is to achieving his goal --- and solidifying Wilton’s place as a grande dame of acting.

Macdonald’s directing efforts are instinctive, especially in using the beautiful English countryside as another character in this story. Harold’s trek unfolds spontaneously and throughout his journey the landscape is his companion.

Unfortunately, when Harold finally reaches his destination, his reunion with Queenie is a bit of a letdown. Granted Queenie is dying, but the moment passes with very little fanfare, which is more of a reflection on Joyce’s script rather than Macdonald’s direction.

Opinion: Mild See It Now!

David: Based on Rachel Joyce’s 2012 best seller of the same name, THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is a sweet story about an elderly man’s desire for redemption and the woman who finally allows that to happen. Ms. Joyce also penned the screenplay for this film.

Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) needs to atone for what he perceives is a major failing in his lifetime. When he learns a friend and former colleague named Queenie is in hospice care, he writes a letter to her. But on the way to post it, he decides to walk the 450 miles to see her in person, and he insists she stay alive at least until they can reunite.

Harold’s long-suffering wife Maureen is played by the wonderful Penelope Wilton (“Downton Abbey”). She is aghast that he has decided to make this pilgrimage, but ultimately Maureen reveals a truth to her husband that will go a long way in healing their torn relationship.

Along the way, Harold meets people that are influential and instrumental in his pursuit. Of most importance is a “doctor” named Martina (Monika Grossman) who provides him with adequate walking shoes to replace the poor ones he started with --- and that are ruining his feet. 

Harold’s quest soon gains national prominence in the British media. Along the way he is recognized by ordinary people eager to be a part of his journey, mostly by walking with him for short periods of time.

The premise of THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is perhaps a bit far-fetched. But in the incredibly capable hands of the great Jim Broadbent and the equally adept Penelope Wilton --- this adventure does not seem so ludicrous. In fact, their tenuous relationship of the past 25 years or so --- defined by a heartbreaking incident involving their son, David (Earl Cave) --- is bolstered by this event.

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is a most unusual story brought expertly to the screen by director Hettie Macdonald. Her previous experience is largely television based. In fact, she has won Three BAFTA TV awards in the past few years. She has certainly made her mark with this feature-length film.

Opinion:  See It Now!