Allelujah the movie is a love letter to the doctors and nurses who take care of our elderly, and a reminder of the impact of the Covid pandemic. It will leave you thinking, a lot.
Set in Yorkshire we enter a geriatric hospital that locals call “the Beth”, to meet its residents. There we find a cavalcade of brilliant British actors including Judi Dench, David Bradley, Derek Jacobi, Vincent Franklin and Julia McKenzie to name a few. As you would expect this fine group of supreme actors deliver perfect insights into life in its final days.
Overseeing proceedings is Sister Gilpin (Jennifer Saunders) who is desperately trying to manage the revolving door of patients. Adding to her woes, it’s not long before we learn that the hospital is under review, closure pending.
Tasked with advising the Minister about the future of the hospital is Colin Colman (Russell Tovey), who just happens to the son of patient Joe Collman (David Bradley).
Amongst the gang we find the handsome, warmhearted but completely overworked young Dr. Valentine (Bally Gill).
As the movie moved to its unexpected conclusion, I pondered:
- What a delight to see so many brilliant actors in one movie;
- It’s quite hard to watch some of these actors playing elderly patients. It’s a reminder that they too won’t always be with us;
- Saunders was equally at home in this serious role as in the comedy she is known for;
- The thought-provoking movie created considerable discussion amongst my friends.
For more information go to Windsor Cinemas. There’s a special morning tea on April 6th 2023.
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