Set in Belfast, ‘Ordinary Love’ follows the ups and downs of Tom and Joan, a married couple that is suddenly faced with a cancer diagnosis. The film has an unhurried pace, effectively allowing moments of great importance to shine though and leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
The film follows the married couple as they lead their quiet and calm life, exploring the simple joy they share in each others company. The film allows the viewer to familiarise themselves with the ease that the two characters share in spending time with each other, signifying the comfort the two have arrived at over the course of a long and happy relationship. Simple scenes of the two sharing a walk or watching television allow the relationship dynamic to set the tone in going forward.
Joan’s cancer diagnosis helms in a seismic shift to the relationship. Not in a way that may be immediately apparent however. We expect there to be hardship that causes tension between Joan and Tom and the film takes the audience through what both of them are feeling, in a rational way, not pandering to the audience in being too dramatic or saccharine.
The film allows heartbreaking moments to wash over the viewer, taking us along on the journey and making us feel like we're in the room as Joan receives the bad news, allowing our hearts to sink and genuinely feel for the character. The movie also picks appropriate moments to show us the physical toll chemotherapy does to a person, not skipping a beat when depicting the severity of the side effects.
‘Ordinary Love’ plays out with ease, touching on major milestones a cancer-diagnosed individual goes through without over-dramatizing the tension that may cause on an interpersonal level yet remaining true to showing the frustration, anxiety and dread everyone can feel when dealing with cancer. A further outside perspective, besides Tom, is provided through supporting characters Perter and Steve, a couple of whom the former is terminally ill. The exchanges amongst them all reveal varied yet human responses to the events, ranging from fear to simply accepting the inevitable. This allows viewers to find a focal point, to relate to what they feel is necessary, as all emotional responses to such an event are acceptable.
Tom and Joan, as portrayed by Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, create a lived-in atmosphere, embracing a lifetime spent together and showing the audience what love can be like. The drastic shift to their dynamic creates moments of tension and anger that feel real, further pulling the viewer into their relationship and closer to the emotional turmoil they are both experiencing. Both Neeson and Manvilles’ characters are written in a realistic manner, with their shortcomings and fears well portrayed by both actors.
Directed by Lisa Barros D'Sa, ‘Ordinary Love’, as written by Owen McCafferty, is one of her more serious films to date, yet she manages to create a sombre atmosphere and serious tone when dealing with the severity of the subject matter. Where possible, the director has managed to create uplifting moments allowing the audience to experience a few cheerful moments that remind us that even though Joan is going through a life altering change there are moments of joy that she has with Tom that make life worth living and fighting for.
The screenplay has been written well, without indulging in what could have been overly emotional moments, keeping the story grounded, yet realistically depicting emotionally-charged moments of anger and joy where necessary.
‘Ordinary Love’ is a wonderfully told story of love, kinship and connection, showing what a strong relationship looks like as it has evolved over time and two individuals have come together and face whatever may come their way and grow stronger together because of it.
Score: 4/4
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