Summerland

Summerland is a poignant drama released in 2020, set against the backdrop of World War II. The film, written and directed by Jessica Swale, tells the story of Alice Lamb, a reclusive writer and nursery teacher living on the island of Cornwall. As the Second World War rages on, Alice's tranquil life is disrupted when she's tasked with becoming a host for an evacuee, a young boy named Frank Ellis. Initially, Alice is reluctant to accept the assignment, preferring to keep to herself in her picturesque garden. However, with a hint of desperation in her voice, she reluctantly agrees to take in the young boy. Alice has been keeping her emotional scars hidden behind a seemingly stoic facade, which Frank's arrival slowly begins to peel away. The initial impression of Frank is that he is a mischievous and energetic young boy, but Alice soon discovers that he's also a lonely and vulnerable child, who has experienced the harsh realities of living through the Blitz. Alice's reluctance to engage with Frank is understandable, given her emotional state following the tragic loss of her husband, Edward, in the war. Her love for him remains unspoken and unresolved, a testament to her enduring grief. Her initial intention is to keep Frank's presence in her life brief, intending to hand him back to the authorities at the earliest opportunity. However, as the young boy becomes more settled in her life, Alice finds herself growing accustomed to his presence. She starts to see beyond his playful facade and discovers a young boy who is struggling to cope with the trauma and loss he's experienced. As the days turn into weeks, Alice starts to reveal more about herself to Frank, sharing her love of writing, her passion for nature, and her memories of her time with Edward. In turn, Frank begins to open up about his experiences as an evacuee, revealing the difficulties of living in a new and unfamiliar environment, as well as the hardships of coping with the emotions left behind. Their quiet moments together start to break the ice between them, marking the beginning of an unlikely friendship. Alice's transformation from a stoic and emotionally reserved individual to someone who starts to confront her emotions in the face of uncertainty is central to the narrative of Summerland. The film's portrayal of her journey is nuanced and emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of grief and loss. Frank's presence in her life forces her to confront her emotions and start the process of healing. The film takes a poignant turn as the relationship between Alice and Frank deepens, but their connection is tested when Alice's war-torn past and her relationship with Edward are forced to come to the forefront. In contrast to her reluctance to let Frank go, she is still grappling with the memories of her husband's death. Her emotions become a tangled web of grief, guilt, and unresolved love. Throughout the narrative, summer takes on a metaphorical significance for Alice's journey. The arrival of summer signifies a renewal and awakening for her, an end to her isolation and a start to a new chapter in her life. Just as summer is a season of transition and growth, Alice's experiences with Frank help her to transition from a state of emotional numbness to one of acceptance and connection. The title "Summerland" itself also has a deeper significance, referring not only to the geographical location where the story takes place but also to the idyllic and enchanting world Alice creates for herself in her garden. Her love of writing and her creation of fictional stories allows her to temporarily escape the harsh realities of war. The narrative skillfully weaves together the fictional world of Alice's stories and the reality of her life, highlighting the blurred lines between the two. Ultimately, Summerland is a film about the power of human connection and the impact it can have on our lives. It is an exploration of the complexities of grief, love, and loss and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With its poignant narrative, memorable characters, and a beautiful setting, Summerland is a moving portrayal of the emotional journey of Alice, and the transformative power of friendship.