Over 2,000 years ago, the Roman poet Virgil gave the world three simple words which everyone should aspire to embrace: amor vincit omnia (“love conquers all”). The phrase—in Latin or English—has been used as a title for paintings, songs, albums, and books. Is it corny as hell? Yes. But is it true? Yes. In fact, no time may it be more true than during a war. A new indie flick called “Summerland” suggests that a little love goes a long way, even in the most dire circumstances.
Jessica Swale—winner of a Laurence Olivier Award for her play “Nell Gwynn”—writes and directs the project, her debut feature. Additionally, Swale has adapted novels such as “Sense and Sensibility,” “Far from the Madding Crowd,” and “The Secret Garden” for the stage.
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It surely cannot be a complete coincidence that two roles in Swale’s upcoming movie are filled by two actresses quite familiar to her. Gemma Arterton (“Quantum of Solace” & “Clash of the Titans”) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Motherless Brooklyn” & “Beyond the Lights”) both portrayed the titular Nell Gwynn, the former in the West End production and the latter in the original run. Other cast members include two-time Oscar nominee Tom Courtenay (“Doctor Zhivago” & “The Dresser”), Dame Penelope Wilton (“Downton Abbey”), and Lucas Bond.
Here’s the synopsis:
Jessica Swale brings to life the story of Alice, a reclusive writer, resigned to a solitary life on the seaside cliffs of Southern England while World War II rages across the channel. When she opens her front door one day to find she’s to adopt a young London evacuee named Frank, she’s resistant. It’s not long, however, before the two realize they have more in common in their pasts than Alice had assumed. Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton, Tom Courtenay and up and comer Lucas Bond star in this intensely emotional story of love’s endurance in trying times.
“Summerland”—distributed by IFC Films—is set to be released in select theaters and VOD on July 31. Check out the trailer below.
