"The Last Letter From Your Lover"

2021 1h 50min

The days of Hollywood dominating the Oscars are long gone. Over the years, indie films made significant inroads into the spotlight. Today, the studios of the major streaming companies have been pumping out films on a par with the traditional studios. Take Netflix for example. Last year, the streaming giant had 37 films nominated for Oscars including noteworthy ones like “Mank”, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, and “My Octopus Teacher”.   

 

If you enjoy a well-written and acted romance, I think you’ll enjoy the recently released Netflix movie “The Last Letter From Your Lover”. It stars the sweet and charming Felicity Jones and the remarkable Shailene Woodley. Jones plays a young columnist at an English newspaper that uncovers some old love letters from a society matron (Woodley) in the paper’s vault. Intrigued, she works with the archivist to unearth more letters. 

 

The story jumps back in time to the late 1960s where we see Woodley’s character on holidays with her wealthy, entrepreneurial, jet-setting husband. Anthony O’Hare (Callum Turner), a financial journalist from the same paper, joins them while doing research for a story about them. With her husband largely absent, she begins a torrid yet ill-fated love affair with the journalist. 

 

As expected, Jones starts falling for her archivist accomplice and their affair soon blooms into an all-out romance. I thought the movie was quite enjoyable and in spite of some of the reviews I’ve read complaining that the book was much better than the movie, it’s great for a couple hours of escapism. The way the 1960s was depicted was absolutely spot on. 

 

In closing, let me just say that I felt the pandemic has made the last year and a half a bit grim. I think the Oscars reflected that feeling—all the Best Picture contenders were pretty dark. I know we’re all ready for some brighter movies in our lives and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one was nominated for an Oscar or two. Remember, you heard it here first!

3 1/2 out of 5 stars