The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day, set in post-World War I Britain, revolves around the life of Stevens, a fastidious and dedicated head butler, as he embarks on a 20-year journey that would ultimately lead to the unraveling of his carefully crafted world of manners and decorum. The story is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel of the same name, which delves into themes of loyalty, duty, and the blurred lines between personal and professional relationships. As the novel unfolds, Stevens narrates his experiences at Darlington Hall, the grand estate of his late master, Mr. Darlington. Stevens has dedicated his life to serving the family, adhering strictly to the rigid codes of etiquette and propriety that define his profession. His day begins at 6:30 am and consists of a carefully choreographed routine, which includes attending to the smallest details, from dusting to polishing. Each step of his daily schedule is meticulously calculated to ensure that the smooth operation of the household remains uninterrupted. However, on a particular day in 1936, Stevens's life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Miss Kenton, a young and vivacious housekeeper. Her presence stirs long-forgotten emotions within Stevens, who has maintained a stoic demeanor in the face of adversity for years. Stevens recalls the first time he saw Miss Kenton during an interview for the post of housekeeper, and an instant connection is sparked. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Miss Kenton feels a sense of kinship with Stevens, but her feelings run deeper, and she begins to fall in love with him. The arrival of Miss Kenton disrupts Stevens's well-ordered existence and prompts a re-evaluation of his life choices and priorities. Despite feeling drawn to Miss Kenton, Stevens's sense of duty and loyalty to the Darlington family prevents him from pursuing the possibility of romance. His master, Mr. Darlington, remains absent for the majority of the novel, and Stevens takes on various responsibilities, including managing the household's finances, supervising the staff, and hosting various gatherings. Throughout his tenure, Stevens maintains a deep admiration for Mr. Darlington, despite the latter's increasing detachment from reality. When Mr. Darlington is at home, he often espouses his views on politics, which are increasingly pro-Nazi. Stevens finds himself torn between his loyalty to the family and his discomfort with Mr. Darlington's views. He struggles to reconcile his own sense of morality with his duty to serve the family. Meanwhile, Stevens has also hired a new young footman, Mr. Lewis, who shares a more casual and relaxed attitude towards work. This contrast between the more formal and disciplined Stevens and the more carefree Mr. Lewis highlights Stevens's adherence to his rigid values and underscores his struggles to adapt to changing times. As the story advances, Stevens becomes increasingly introspective, reflecting on his life choices and the sacrifices he has made for the sake of duty. He is haunted by the thought of what could have been if he had pursued a life of his own desires. In the aftermath of the war, Stevens embarks on a journey across the English countryside, where he meets Miss Kenton, who is now married to a shop owner. The encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the life Stevens might have had and the choices he has made. In the concluding scenes, Stevens returns to Darlington Hall and delivers a poignant and introspective monologue, reflecting on his past and the choices he made. He acknowledges that his single-minded devotion to duty and his commitment to maintaining the household's veneer of elegance cost him dearly, including losing the chance for love and happiness. The Remains of the Day serves as a poignant exploration of a life devoted to duty and conformity. Through Stevens's story, Ishiguro and cinematographer Michael Ballhaus paint a beautiful and melancholic portrait of the decline of the aristocracy in the aftermath of World War I. The film's slow-burning narrative builds a world of intricate detail and subtlety, ultimately arriving at a devastating conclusion that leaves the viewer with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by those living by rigid codes of duty and loyalty.