This charming period drama, based on the true story found in Jonathan Smith’s novel of the same name, is set in 1913 with the gorgeous Cornwall country and coast as the backdrop. With a lot of romance and equal measure of drama Summer in February takes us back to the 1900’s and into the world of Alfred Munnings (Dominic Cooper), Florence Carter-Wood (Emily Browning) and Gilbert Evans (Dan Stevens).
Part-time Soldier Gilbert is the land agent in charge of the Lamorna Valley Estate, and lives alongside a group of artists taking up residency here to make use of the solitude and gorgeous countryside to focus on their art. Gilbert is good friends with Alfred; however their friendship is duly tested by the arrival of the adventure-seeking and strong willed beauty that is Florence.
The film lets this love triangle unfold and we begin to learn about the characters. Reserved and a little stern, Captain Gilbert Evans seems to be enchanted by the artists and their dreamy selves. However he is a good man and would gladly take care of Florence above all else. Florence, on the other hand, is young and vibrant and seems at odds with the somewhat restrictive position women have at the very beginning of the 20th century.
A little rebellious, she has left London to pursue her art and possibly find a little adventure too! She certainly finds this is Alfred Munnings, an English Painter who in time becomes one of England’s most renowned painters. He embodies the bohemian lifestyle these artists lead and certainly enjoyed his wine, poetry and the company of women!
As you can imagine, it’s not too long before things take a turn for the worse. In a moment of recklessness (stupidity), Florence accepts Alfred’s wedding proposal, much to the dismay of Gilbert, and so begins a somewhat downward spiral as the relationships between the three are strained. Throughout the rest of the film, these relationships are explored as well as how the decisions they made come to affect their art, and the fragile ecosystem of the group that was the Lamorna Artists.
What is striking about this film is how much the environment plays a part in the drama. The Cornish country-side is almost a character in itself as it gleams with sunshine along the seaside yet pelts the characters with rain in the town. Along with the powerful music score, these elements really bring the viewer in and make the period come to life. It really lets you inside the world of the artists in Lamorna.
The performances of the cast is really great and director Christopher Menual brings them together well. Each of the lead cast has their own moments to shine and let the characters have opportunities to really show their true selves. Dan Steven’s character, Gilbert, has a particularly striking moment as he vents his frustrations at Alfred because of his wayward and careless ways.
Overall Verdict: Summer in February is a great film. Although it may not stand as a romantic period classic such as Legends of the Fall, it certainly was a pleasure to watch and the detail that has gone into the reconstruction of 1913 Cornwall and the depth of the characters is evident.
Reviewer: Kevin Van Der Ham