A film for gardeners

Recently one of my regular blog readers suggested a film she thought would appeal to me. Quite by chance I stumbled across it last night on YouTube. I was enchanted with it and think you might be, too.

"This Beautiful Fantastic" is a UK production, directed and written by Simon Aboud, that came out a few years ago. Ostensibly it's the story of Bella Brown who “grew into the oddest of odd balls, just her, and her books," as the voiceover at the opening of the film describes the main character. 

In fact, all the film's characters are "characters," to put it mildly: Jessica Brown Findlay, the youngest daughter on Downton Abbey, (as Bella, above and below), the brilliant Anna Chancellor as the head of the library where Bella works and Tom Wilkinson as her rudely grumpy neighbor. 

This is a film made for romantics, for gardeners and garden lovers, for everyone who loves libraries and books. It reminded me of nothing so much as "The Secret Garden" for grown-ups. 

Like all rom-coms, you know where it will take you, but I found the journey delightful. Immerse yourself in "This Beautiful Fantastic" this weekend and leave politics, pandemics, forest fires and swirling chaos behind. 

Comments

[Kris P]

A friend had recommended this movie to me some months ago but it went onto the back burner. I've started watching it now. Thanks for the reminder!

[Laura]

What a great movie. I just finished watching it and am crying. I'm usually not emotional.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Sounds interesting. I will have to look it up.

[Christine]

I only wish there were more movies like this to get us through the coming winter...

[Linda Brazill]

CHRISTINE — Have you seen the Hallmark film version of The Secret Garden? It's my favorite. Great cast and it was filmed at Highclere Castle, which was where Downton Abbey was also filmed. But here it is a mysterious and somewhat threatening building. 

[Linda Brazill]

LAURA — It felt like the perfect movie for this moment.

[Mary]

Thank you so much for recommending this lovely, gentle movie.

[danger garden]

I watched this one last fall while my husband was away, knowing he would not enjoy it. You're right, it is fairly predictable, but still great fun.

Oh, btw, I had a chance to read your review of The Earth in Her Hands for your plant society newsletter. Our Hardy Plant Society office manager gets the newsletter and sent it out to a few board members as an example of what other groups are up to. Nice work!

[Susan]

Linda- My husband and I also “stumbled” across it while browsing through Netflix a few months ago. So quirky and touching. We knew nothing about it and had no expectations. We loved it!

[Caroline]

Not only Lady Sybil, but Andrew Scott, the wonderful priest from Fleabag. Can't wait to watch it - thanks for the recommendation!