Hampstead

Synopsis

Hampstead Village, London, is famous for its beautiful and much-loved Heath; a piece of quiet countryside in a vast metropolis. Living on the edge of the Heath is American widow Emily Walters, who can't quite focus on the things that need attention since her husband’s death; like her crumbling old apartment, diminishing finances and even her son, Philip.
One day while looking out across the Heath from her attic window, Emily spies a ramshackle hut, which appears to be inhabited by an unkempt man. After witnessing him being attacked by a group of professional thugs, she calls the police and watches through her binoculars as help arrives. The next day she ventures into the woods in search of him.
The man, Donald has lived quietly and harmoniously on the edge of the Heath for 17 years but his lifestyle is under threat - his home is the target of property developers who’ve started using heavy-handed tactics to remove him. He is naturally suspicious of Emily and politely rebuffs her attention, but despite his gruff exterior, there is something gentle and alluring about him. When Emily discovers that her friend Fiona is leading a community initiative in support of the developers, she bravely steps up to take Donald's side in the escalating battle to save his peaceful Heath dwelling. Though her son Philip tries to persuade her to retire gracefully to the country, she is determined to defend the emotional and physical livelihood of this quiet and unusual man - a man who might just be the person to sweep her off her feet.
Inspired by a true story, a charming and funny life-affirming tale about how love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that age is no barrier to second chances.

Details

Year

2017

Type of film

Features

Running Time

102 mins

Director

Joel Hopkins

Producer

Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae

Executive Producer

Leon Clarance, Mark Woolley, Laure Vaysse, Jo Monk, Alison Thompson, Mark Gooder

Editor

Robin Sales

Screenwriter

Robert Festinger

Director of Photography

Felix Wiedemann

Production Designer

Sarah Kane

Music

Stephen Warbeck

Principal Cast

Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson, Lesley Manville, James Norton, Jason Watkins, Simon Callow

Genre

• Drama

Production status

Complete

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Last updated 24th March 2017