Image Source: Wikidata
Do you believe in the transformative power of nature? In the 2016 British romantic drama film, "This Beautiful Fantastic," director Simon Aboud beautifully showcases the connections between people and the natural world. Starring Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Wilkinson, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Irvine, Anna Chancellor, and Eileen Davies, this heartwarming tale takes you on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love.
A Unique Bond Blossoms
Bella Brown, portrayed by the talented Jessica Brown Findlay, is a young woman struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As she toils away in a public library, she dreams of writing her own children's book. However, her fear of plants leads her to neglect the garden of her rented house.
Everything changes when Bella meets her curmudgeonly widower neighbor, Alfie Stevenson, played by the marvelous Tom Wilkinson. Alfie's cook, Vernon, convinces him to help Bella improve her garden after he reports her to their landlord. As Bella painstakingly works on transforming the garden, an unexpected bond forms between her and Alfie. Through their shared love for nature, Bella discovers a newfound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds her.
Unforeseen Obstacles and Second Chances
Just when Bella's progress in the garden is flourishing, a storm threatens to destroy everything she has achieved. As she grapples with this setback, her romantic interest, Billy, played by the charismatic Jeremy Irvine, asks her out on a date. But on that same day, Bella faces another blow when she loses her job and witnesses Billy with another woman. Overwhelmed by these events, Bella falls into a deep depression.
A Surprising Twist of Fate
However, fate has more in store for Bella. With the deadline set by her landlord looming, Alfie and Vernon come to her rescue, determined to finish the garden on her behalf. Meanwhile, Billy reveals the truth behind his absence on their date, explaining that he had been hospitalized due to an accident. The person Bella saw with him was his triplet brother. As Bella begins to rebuild her life, Alfie passes away, leaving her his house and his own. With Billy by her side and a newfound passion for writing, Bella publishes her picture book titled "This Beautiful Fantastic."
A Reimagined Romantic Drama
Directed and written by Simon Aboud, "This Beautiful Fantastic" is a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with its audience. The film combines elements of romance, drama, and comedy to create a heartwarming story that embraces the beauty of imperfections. With exceptional performances from the cast, including Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Brown Findlay, and Jeremy Irvine, the movie captivates viewers, reminding them of the power of human connections and the wonders of the natural world.
Image Source: Wikidata
In the Eyes of the Critics
Like any film, "This Beautiful Fantastic" has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an approval rating of 61% based on 23 reviews, with an average rating of 6.08/10. Some critics found the film endearing, comparing it to the whimsical charm of "Amélie." However, others felt that the movie had too many distracting questions and criticized its portrayal of mental health issues.
Despite the varied opinions, most reviewers agreed that the film's enjoyable performances and heartfelt moments prevent it from becoming too heavy-handed. In the end, whether you find "This Beautiful Fantastic" sweet or too sweet depends on your personal taste.
Let Nature Inspire You
"This Beautiful Fantastic" reminds us that sometimes, we need a little push from unexpected sources to discover our true potential. The film challenges us to embrace nature's beauty, find solace in its simplicity, and open ourselves up to the wonders that surround us. So, the next time you step outside, take a moment to appreciate the little things that make our world extraordinary.
Image Source Caption: The enchanting world of "This Beautiful Fantastic" reminds us of the power of nature and human connections.
