Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
Legendary Shakespearean actor Sir Michael Gifford (Brian Cox) is terminally-ill with Parkinson’s Disease and is getting progressively worse by the day. He treats all of his caregivers poorly including his newest attendant, young Hungarian immigrant Dorottya (Coco König). Dorottya’s passion is the theatre and she secretly hopes that helping Sir Michael will lead to a chance to act on the English stage. But after the pair bond over their mutual love of Shakespeare, their working relationship begins to change into some a little closer to friendship.
With The Carer, Co-Writer/Director János Edelényi has taken a familiar story of an odd couple pairing and has created a delightful little dramedy about life and friendship. He fills the Film with an eclectic supporting cast of stereotypical family members and friends with competing agendas, but wisely focuses in on the relationship between Sir Michael and Dorottya. The chemistry between Cox and newcomer König (who will be seen in next month’s video game adaptation of Assassin’s Creed) is terrific despite their large age gap and initial language barrier.
Cox has played characters like this before, but there is an emotional resonance in both his words and actions as Sir Michael gradually accepts where his life is heading. König is even better, shining brightly and maturely in the face of adversity. The Film’s laughs and most palpable moments come from their wonderful interactions. I think the Film could have only benefitted from including more of them.
Corinth Films release THE CARER in select theatres starting Friday, November 18, 2016. Director János Edelényi will be present for post-Film Q&As at Carlton Cinemas in Toronto on November 18 and November 19!
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