Seasonal drama starring Jason Robards and Julie Harris. A recently widowed and retired architect decides he wants to spend Christmas alone in his mountain cabin. But he soon becomes lonely and answers an ad for a companion of his own age to come and stay for a weekend.
Grief, loneliness and the preciousness of human relationships are gently explored in this simple and sedately paced character study, boasting a charming performance from Jason Robards. Based on a Helen Norris short story, the Pinter-esque drama shows its age but is still warmly engaging, as the widowed Robards looks for a platonic, female companion to ease him through his first solo Christmas. Contacting an agency, he's hooked up with a mysterious Julie Harris for the holidays - a shy yet perceptive woman whose secretiveness subtlely intrigues, even though her acting feels a tad stilted. Robards's gentlemanly behaviour, while navigating unfamiliar emotional terrain and his desperation to cling to the past, give the minimal plotting a poignant pull, which increases as the couple's awkwardness together slowly diminishes. An unexpected reveal befits the film's low-key approach, leading to a final scene that's pleasingly full of hope.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| John Tanner | Jason Robards |
| Iris | Julie Harris (2) |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | David Jones (3) |
