Around the Sun

...would be the high-concept pitch for this little gem of a film. Although it's more high brow than high concept. The script is witty, intelligent and explicitly philosophical - which puts a lot of responsibility on the two leads. Enthusiasm for and familiarity with the work of Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle is probably not the easiest thing for an actor to credibly convey, but Cara Theobold is more than equal to the task, while Gethin Anthony has the (admittedly easier) job of falling in love with her over the twisting course of their conversation(s) on the plurality of worlds. Deftly directed by Oliver Krimpas - in what seems to be his first feature - and making exceptional use of a single, stunning location, "Around the Sun" is a film of modest scale but considerable ambition.

This is such a beautiful film, from its atmospheric setting to its gorgeous cinematography, to its evocative score. And using the simple approach of a two-hander, it explores - through subtle, touching and honest performances from Cara Theobold and Gethin Anthony - a cosmos's worth of ideas and human emotions that, ultimately, are about finding a connection and the power of truly being seen by another human being.

A pleasure, this film, that we have to offer to ourselves. Unlike Fontenelle who he recommends to us: "to bypass the pleasures. It's like swampy areas where we have to travel at a speed that doesn't dare to put our feet up", this movie reveals us and urges us to appreciate the pleasures of life, the pleasures that time has to offer _ as long as it holds a rotation of the sun around the earth and many more.

Two-hander films like Around the Sun may not be everyone's cup of tea. What's so exciting about two people talking to each other in an old chateau for 80 minutes? you may well ask. Well, 'excitement' may be the wrong word. Yet there is plenty of drama, humour, and genuine emotion when a film location scout and an estate agent meet at said chateau and get to know each other as the history of the building envelopes them and comes to play a crucial part in their burgeoning relationship. Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey) and Gethin Anthony (Game of Thrones) share a sizzling and playful chemistry in their delightful performances under the watchful eye of director Oliver Krimpas. Oh, it also looks absolutely gorgeous!