Brilliant performances in a realistic film. Expatriate retirees from England move to France to live out their golden years, Brenda and Joseph (Brenda Fricker, James Fox). The wife may have the beginning of a senile dementia, and the husband is depressed, suffering from exhaustion, and generally doesn't like his life with his wife or himself anymore. Same thing they were experience at home in England. Enter a young couple visiting, Suzanne and Marc (Natalie Dormer, Paul Nichols). The couples become friends, but James, the older man, becomes a bit obsessed by Suzanne's youth, beauty and energy. He is clearly longing for his youth. He almost seems to regret his life with Brenda and his lost youth, to the point of not speaking to his grown children when they call. At times he seems to be embarrassed by his wife to the point of dislike. And Brenda seems frustrated with Joseph's depression and low energy, except when he can spend time with Suzanne and Marc. Both couples are sad in that they love each other, but have such high expectations of one another. Even in Provence, wherever you go, there you are.
