Summerland
A woman during the Second World War opens her heart to an evacuee after initially resolving to be rid of him.
Critics Sentiment
Alice discovers Frank's mother is Vera in his scrapbook
Alice learns Frank's father died but delays telling him
The film surges from its lowest point during the father's death revelation to its peak with the Vera photograph twist, gaining nearly 3 points as the plot's central revelation transforms viewer understanding.
Summerland builds steadily from a predictable wartime setup through increasingly emotional territory, peaking with a genuinely surprising plot twist that recontextualizes the entire story. While some critics noted historical inaccuracies and occasional cliché moments, the film's emotional authenticity and Arterton's powerhouse performance consistently elevated the material. The sentiment arc mirrors Alice's own journey from isolation to connection, culminating in a satisfying resolution that balances heartbreak with hope.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 29
Gemma Arterton
Alice
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Vera
Penelope Wilton
Older Alice
Tom Courtenay
Mr. Sullivan
Lucas Bond
Frank
Dixie Egerickx
Edie
Siân Phillips
Margaret Corey
Amanda Root
Mrs. Lawrence
Jessica Gunning
Mrs. Bassett
David Horovitch
Albert
Martina Laird
Older Vera
Amanda Lawrence
Muriel
David Ajao
Officer
Thomas Coombes
Air Raid Warden
Rakhee Thakrar
Mrs. Evans
Fergal McElherron
Mr. Kearney
Sally Scott
Miss Poskitt
Toby Osmond
Older Frank
Joshua Riley
Freddie
Nimmy March
Mrs. Darling
Crew
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