Another Year

In the vein of Secrets and Lies, Abigail’s Party, Life is Sweet, Mike Leigh’s latest film is an exquisite naturalistic character study. The setting is the London home belonging to a contented couple on the cusp of old age. The struggles of the other characters are seen from their patient and kindly perspective. Leigh elicits convincing performances from his actors (many regulars) and portrays characters in a way that highlights their humour and humanity as well as their desperation. Not much happens, but the familiar rituals are the incidents that Another Year turns around.