“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” is the story of Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) who receives a letter from his old friend Queenie. He’s lost contact with her, and she writes to say that she is dying of cancer. The shocked Harold drafts a letter to send in return and sets off to post it. On the way he speaks to a girl serving at the shops, who tells him a story about her aunt who had held off dying, waiting for a final visit from her.
This story galvanises him into action. Harold decides there and then that by walking from the bottom of England to the top, to where Queenie’s hospice is, that would keep her alive. So off he sets. He posts the letter, phones the hospice, and confuses the staff and calls his astonished wife, Maureen (Penelope Wilton).
Naturally the unprepared-for journey is fraught with mishaps, blisters and poor weather and Harold almost decided to turn back. He calls to hospice and finds out that Queenie’s health has remarkably improved with the news of his journey. Nothing will stop him now: the distance, the well-meaning advice from others, his wife’s protests. Never has he had such a purpose in life.
After the initial difficulties, the journey becomes easier. People stop to help, and he sees life through a fresh set of eyes. He starts to discard what is excess weight to him; his watch, phone, and wallet are posted back to his increasingly distraught wife.
There is a scene whereby he creates a bed in the forest and builds a small fire. He sleeps contently, contrasting his wife who was uncomfortably cold and restless in the marital bed.
Slowly we learn of some deep unresolved trauma between them and their son, David (played by Earl Cave, son of singer Nick Cave). He is a talented and clever child, wrecked by drug and alcohol addiction. This trauma has clearly weighed heavily over the marriage for quite some time.
During his walk he has plenty of time to relive memories and try to make sense of things. Meanwhile, his wife is increasingly upset and incredulous that he is continuing this madness.
Inevitably, the story becomes a media hit and Harold (Fry) is joined by a swarm of well-wishers. Harold is bewildered by this all. He can only understand that his is a personal quest. It’s attention to detail such as this that rounds out the story. The movie is a full and round reflection on life. Not every good is for the best. But hanging onto the past can be the bigger burden.
Overall, the message is that all in all, people are generally kind. Following your dreams, no matter how unlikely or ridiculous, is better than living a non-life. This movie is a gentle reminder not to take things too seriously and to enjoy every day for itself.
9 stars of 10
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