Starring: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay, Geraldine James, Dolly Wells
Directed By: Andrew Haigh
Running Time: 95 mins
BBFC Certificate: 15
UK Release Date: January 11th 2016 (UK)

Following the indie success of Weekend and helping to produce/direct HBO’s Looking, Andrew Haigh shows he isn’t simply be a ‘gay director’ with the tender 45 Years. The film introduces us to Kate and Geoff Mercer (Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay), who are soon to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.

Geoff gets unexpected news when he receives a letter informing him that the frozen body of his old girlfriend, who died in an accident decades before, has been discovered in the Swiss Alps. Initially Kate thinks this is surprising and upsetting news for her husband, but not something that will greatly affect either of them. However, as Geoff talks more about this women he knew before he met Kate, she starts to feel that perhaps their marriage has been haunted by her and Geoff’s feelings about an entirely different life that he might have led if fate hadn’t intervened.

As their 45th anniversary approaches, the strain begins to grow on this quiet, fairly staid relationship. [Read more…]