When first hearing that Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal were starring in a drama together my expectations were high. The two have a history for the dramatic and devastating and their verisimilitude did not disappoint in this gut-wrenching story of love, loss, and loneliness. Andrew Scott plays Adam, a 46-year-old gay man who lives alone in a barren London flat, with few residents apart from one friendly neighbour Harry - Paul Mescal. The two, alone in their building, strike up a tender relationship as Harry learns of Adam's harrowing past. When Adam was just twelve years old both of his parents died in a car crash and almost 30 years later, he is older than his parents came to be. In passing the age of his parents, Adam feels an intense grief and loneliness and, in an attempt, to feel closer to his parents he gets a train to his old family home. Adam stands outside his parents' house then knocks on the door. When he does, he is greeted by his parents as he knew them, alive, smiling and welcoming him home.
The home is a set of nostalgia with its 80’s decor and his parents (played by Claire Foy and Jamie Bell) dressed as he remembered them. This surrealist imagining of his parents continues throughout the film as an ongoing relationship where Adam’s parents learn about his life and his sexuality. Adam gets to tell his parents he is gay, and that the world is ‘better now’. He confronts their dated opinions and manages to tell them how he struggled growing up with their emotionally absent parenting. In his several meetings with them we see Adam regress into his boyish self-needing to change his clothes, hug his father and climb into his parent’s bed when he can’t sleep. In those tender moments this film beautifully expresses how grief never leaves us and in those darkest, loneliest times we crave those we loved and lost.
Alongside Adam’s impossible reunion with his parents, he falls in love with Harry. The pair have an immediate and passionate connection. Harry, though we don’t learn too much about it, is estranged from his parents and alone in London. Through Adam and Harry’s relationship this film explores the insurmountable importance of human connection through mental health and loneliness. Adam, as he falls for Harry, tells his parents about their relationship and they are happy at his genuine connection with him.
The acting performances from all four cast members did not fall short of perfection. The chemistry between Andrew and Paul makes Adam and Harry’s relationship so meaningful and true that you are left devastated by the end. The portrayal from Claire and Jamie as Adam’s parents is so honest and raw and the film does not shy away from complex discussions of a relationship with a gay son in the 80’s. The film, through the conversations had, not only reflects the mental state of Adam but depicts those moments we wish we could have had with those we’ve lost. The things left unsaid, the apologies, anger and most devastatingly saying goodbye.
This film is a harrowing but beautiful representation of grief, human connection and moving on from those we’ve lost. It is also an imploring tale about opening yourselves up to those that love you. I couldn’t recommend this film more. Please go and see it but don’t forget your tissues.