Finding Your Feetis a romantic comedy/dramathat has an important message for us all, to live our lives to the fullest.
Wealthy couple, Sandra and Mike, have been married for over 30 years. They live in a huge house in a very nice part of London. Sandra has been planning their retirement for years, and the film opens with a party at their house. When Sandra opens a door to investigate a smashing sound, she finds her husband and best friend in a compromising embrace. On hearing that the affair has been going on for five years, she packs her bags and flees to her sister's flat, which is in a large block, in a not so salubrious part of town. Bif and Sandra haven't spoken for 10 years due to the totally different directions they chose in life. Slowly, under Bif's guidance, and with the help of Bif's weekly dance classes, Sandra regains her spirit and the zest for life that she had before it was crushed in her marriage. Adventures follow, including a trip to Rome.
Finding Your Feet is another gentle comedy/drama that the British do so well. The overall theme is very much about living your life. Very early on, Bif says, "It's one thing being scared of dying, Sandra, it's a whole different matter being scared of living". This theme is reinforced through several of the film's plot lines.
The star-laden cast is led by Imelda Staunton, as Sandra, who has played key roles in innumerable films and TV series including Cranford, and as Dolores Umbridge, in the Harry Potter movies. Her performance here is excellent and particularly her beautifully under-played drunk scenes. Sandra's sister Bif is played by Celia Imrie (Marigold Hotel), another very good performance.
The new, slim Timothy Spall (Denial) is Charlie, best friend of Bif. Spall gives an excellent performance, as always, and we really feel for Charlie when he visits his wife who no longer recognises him due to early onset Alzheimer's. Charlie and Ted (David Hayman) are key characters, as they support Bif and the grieving Sandra.
John Sessions, as the husband, Mike, is suitably odious. Josie Lawrence is highly obnoxious as Pamela, who shows no qualms at luring away her best friend's husband.Joanna Lumley is in fine form as Jackie, a glamorous member of Bif's dance class. She provides some of the film's best comedy lines.
This movie also has its sad plot threads as it deals with real-life issues that many of us face, and with the reality of becoming older. The main characters are all highly endearing, and we are with them all the way, except of course for Mike and Pamela. The scene when Sandra turns on them and says what she thinks makes us want to shout out, "Yeah!".
The film opens with some lovely shots of expensive London real estate and continues to showcase London. There are also some beautiful shots of Rome.
Director Richard Loncraine (My House in Umbria) ensures that the audience is highly engaged throughout. There's some lovely attention to detail, for example, Charlie wears a beautiful big red hat towards the end of the film, but it was seen earlier in the background on a table on his narrow boat.
Finding Your Feet is a fun, feel-good film, but with a serious side. It makes us laugh, brings a tear to the eye, and makes us feel vengeful. Is it a bit sentimental? Yes. Does one of the dance sequences need us to suspend our disbelief? Yes. But it is entertaining, the performances are excellent, and it deals with real-life issues with which we can all identify. Overall, it's a very satisfying trip to the cinema.
Finding Your Feet is currently screening at both Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect. Take in a glass of wine, and perhaps a cheese platter, to help you enjoy the film.
Reviewed by Libby Drake, Sunday 25th February 2018.