Film REVIEW—The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Well. Wasn’t I surprised. I expected the Netflix movie to be good. It wasn’t. It was absolutely terrific. I feel a bit like Cinderella who just returned from an unexpected ball, giddy from having experienced such a magical event. The film’s production values were outstanding, as was the setting, 1940s London and Guernsey just after World War Two. (I’ve just added Guernsey to my bucket list to visit.) Who knew the Germans occupied the British island of Guernsey during World War Two? I sure didn’t. The direction was equally superb. Mike Newell — director of Four Weddings and a Funeral, a Harry Potter film, Great Expectations, and many other exceptional films—delivers with a sure hand and a light touch. The story – filled with charm and dread and romance — twisted all my expectations again and again as the tension rose. This is a quiet film. No bombs go off. No one is murdered. Nothing is stolen, except your emotions. Boy, are they ever. Finally the cast… How wonderful to see such topnotch actors in varied and unexpected roles. Lily James, whose star is ascending, is terrific as the protagonist. She anchors the film as a novelist in search of a story. The splendid Michael Huisman, (Daario Naharis-Game of Thrones) is both subtle and swoon-worthy. Many others are stars in their own right, and I confess that I loved that it was a bit of a Downton Abbey reunion, with four of the principals having played leading roles in the series. The romance is a subtle slow burn, but I would be the last person to spoil the wonderful resolution. If you have time to spare. I take that back – even if you don’t have time to spare, make room for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. You will be enthralled, delighted, and moved, just as I was.