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The 2017 film, The Leisure Seeker, is the perfect story to watch in the midst of the quarantine madness.

The movie follows an older couple, John and Ella Spencer, who take one last trip in their vintage R.V. “the Leisure Seeker.” They travel from Wellesley, Massachusetts to Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West, Florida, before John’s Alzheimer’s and Ella’s cancer catch up to them. Despite their battles, they face highs and lows on one last journey together. 

There are movies like this that have been made with similar premises, such as ‘the Notebook’ (2004) and ‘A Walk to Remember’ (2002) but this story was original. The screenplay was written by Paolo Virzì, Francesca Archibugi, Francesco Piccolo, Stephen Amidon adapted from the 2009 novel by Michael Zadoorian. 

This story is one of a kind, because it focuses on hard topics and make light out of them. Ella and John are both facing their lethal demons in their own way. Ella has to silently fight cancer while making sure her husband John is taken care of as his memory slips. Some days, he doesn’t even remember Ella. And after each day, they go to bed together, where Ella takes her wig off, representing her silent battle. The narrative of their illness serves as an inspiration to people who are facing hardships. The Spencer’s represent those facing old age and terminal illness. 

A light among the dark reality this couple is facing is when they stop for breakfast at a road-side diner. John is having a bad day with his memory, and takes off, leaving Ella behind. She is forced to chase him by hopping on a stranger’s motorcycle. That is a lesson that all people can take away, you go to great lengths to be with the ones you love. 

Donald Sutherland is a veteran actor with more than 5 decades in the business. His performance was incredible. He has to play a character whose mentality is constantly shifting. Some days, he is lucid, while other days he has no clue of his whereabouts. I praise his performance in this role, he made John’s illness real and seamless. 

Helen Mirren also executed a brilliant performance. She is faced with the challenge of filling in the void of her ill husband’s memory. Whether it’s reminding him of something simple or being his second set of eyes. She doesn’t miss a beat, she constantly hits every joke and line with the right tone of the situation. She plays this dying woman who has to keep reliving the memories of her life she has to remind her husband of. She symbolizes the sad reality of old age and losing someone you love. 

This is not the duo’s first time sharing the screen. They were in the 1990 film Bethune: The Making of a Hero. They have uncanny chemistry, which suited them well for the role of John and Ella Spencer. They balanced each other out, whether it was delivering a joke or comforting one another. They were the perfect poster child for growing old. 

What is shocking is that this was Paolo Virzì’s first English speaking film. Virzi has only directed Italian films, I praise his effort and dedication to creating an American story. Although he didn’t hit all the points of American culture, he still made a great effort. For example, the Spencer’s encountered a Trump rally, and John Spencer started chanting along with them. John was a libreal college professor that did not blend well. But I think his work speaks to his dedication to making an American film. I look forward to seeing more of Virzi’s work. 

The Leisure Seeker is a film worth watching. The authenticity of the themes spoke to audiences of all ages, and taught multiple life lessons. If you’re looking for a “dram-edy” this is the perfect picture for you! Watch it on Amazon Prime or Hulu.

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