Emily Parker reviews the drama about working through your regrets, and accomplishing your dreams whatever your age.

Edie

Edie is a tale of an extraordinary friendship, and a reminder that age doesn't matter where friendship is concerned. As long as you have something in common, (in this case a love for the outdoors), then friendship across the generations is possible.

Sheila Hancock (The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas) stars as the elderly widow Edie, who is set to go on a journey that she has been unable to go on for nearly a lifetime. Set in the majestic and beautiful landscapes of Scotland, you will share in this elderly woman's innermost battle of regret, as she pushes on to meet her end goal. At the age of 83, Hancock filmed all of the trekking herself, with no stunt double. A huge achievement and one that I can't imagine my grandma doing! She is simply spectacular to watch in the role and despite feeling sorry for her at the start, you develop a bizarre fondness towards her as the story unfolds.

Hancock fell in love with the story before she realised just how physical a role it was. She said to a reporter at the Daily Record, "I thought to begin with, 'Well, I won't actually have to climb a mountain.' Then I went for a lunch, and met the director and producer, and they kind of looked at one another and they said, 'Well it would be good if you did.' "I thought, 'Oh my goodness', but I desperately wanted to do it at that time, so I said, 'All right, fine. I'll do it.' Then I went home and thought, 'Oh my God, I'm 83. Climbing a mountain - what am I talking about?'"

Kevin Guthrie (Sunshine on Leith) plays the role of Jonny. He is a young man struggling with the realities of life. Money, his relationship, and purpose in life, leads the camping shop worker to be hired by Edie, (much to his dismay), as she heads towards climbing Mount Suilven. It's in the midst of their training that their friendship begins to blossom.

Edie

Directed and written by Simon Hunter, this is his second collaboration with Debbie Wiseman, Composer in Resident for Classic FM. Wiseman composed the music for Hunter's first feature Lighthouse in 1999. The score is a great accompaniment to the surrounds of the film.

This film will encourage you to make the most of your life, work through your regrets and to not miss out on opportunities. Whatever age you are, you're never too old to accomplish your dreams.

Due for release on 25th May, Damaris Media have put together a discussion guide for Edie. Damaris Media create free film resources for community groups, to discuss the major themes in a film. The resources for Edie are made in partnership with Mothers' Union. You can download the discussion guide via the Damaris website or via the Mothers' Union website. CR

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