‘The Leisure Seeker’
Director: Paolo Virzi
Starring: Helen Mirren, Donald Sutherland, Janel Moloney, Christian McKay
Rating: R
4 (Out of 5) Globes
Plot: Much against the wishes of their two grown up children (Janel Moloney and Christian McKay), John (Donald Sutherland) and Ella Spencer (Helen Mirren) decide to take their vintage Leisure Seeker recreational vehicle on one last road trip down from their home in Boston to Ernest Hemingway’s House in the Florida Keys. But their journey is constantly interrupted by various issues, the most prescient of which is the duo’s declining health.
Review: Not too much happens for most of “The Leisure Seeker.” But it is one of those films where you don’t mind its tranquility and leisurely pace.
Because watching Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren being so smitten and in love with each other is just so delightful. So much so that you can’t help but think back to your own grandparents when you are looking at them, as Mirren’s smile is so generous and Sutherland is just all forgiveness and warmth.
As there always is with road trip movies, there are a few bumps in the road. But all of the interactions between the duo are laced with such genuine affection and care that you completely understand and relate to every squabble, annoyance and explosion of anger.
Not all of “The Leisure Seeker” works, as it is vaguely set during the recent Presidential election and against the rise of Donald Trump for no particular reason. But that is only a minor quibble, because “The Leisure Seeker” never dwells on this part of its story, and instead focuses on the love and bond between Mirren and Sutherland.
That’s more than enough to captivate and keep you engaged, and that is exactly what helps to make “The Leisure Seeker” such a satisfying watch.
