Review of Quartet (2012) by Ana B — 02 Aug 2013

Melodrama set in Beecham House, a retirement home for elderly musicians. The story revolves around three opera singers, forgetful Cissy, naughty Wilf and a very lucid but bitter Reg, they lead a quiet seniority until Reg's ex-wife and opera diva, Jean Horton, becomes a resident of Beecham House. Unavoidably, Reg and Jean clash in this secluded environment and they have no choice but to confront their demons and their past mistakes. Things worsen when they are invited to sing a quartet in the gala for Verdi's anniversary to raise funds for the residence. Will they survive the bitterness? Will they manage to become civil?

It is a pleasant film about old age, there is a portion of regret and loneliness but also lives lived to the full and some humor, it gives a balanced combination of feelings. Other pictures with the same theme make a depressing and sorrowful watch but in here the love of music and a successful professional career override the negativity. The beautiful landscape help too, the surroundings of the home in summer are gorgeous and so is the ancient building where it was filmed.

There is nothing new in this movie but it is charming and has a very believable set up. Seniors are bound to love, younger people might find there isn't enough struggle, though.