Summerland

It's a refreshing spin on this type of film that's usually quite white and heteronormative.

While much of what Swale has crafted here is familiar, the film’s loving tone and Arterton’s compelling performance recommend it, and the result is a warm drama never afraid of a little magic.

Summerland may not be the greatest show on Earth, but it is firmly Arterton’s show – and deserves more attention than most anyone on these shores will likely give it.

Strong on lush cinematography, period knitwear and sincerity, but less effective in terms of historical plausibility, the mostly second world war-set drama Summerland is a mixed bag – a blend of fizzy sherbet lemons and humbug.

Ms. Arterton gets to play a few scenes worthy of her art before the film turns into a milking machine designed to wring feelings from a link between past and present that, once again, amounts to a construct.

Summerland is very pretty, and bursts with affection for its gently befuddled characters, but for all its eager charms, streaming like colored pennants from every turret, it’s a castle in the air.

Throughout, the film’s characters exhibit little life outside of their moments of tragedy and symbolic connections.

A beautiful story. Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and the young actor, Lucas Bond all shine in the film.

It's hard to say much about this film without giving away potential spoilers but I really liked it overall. Its not what it initially seems. It was surprisingly poignant, that's all I'll say. There are some twists present and I didn't see them all coming. It's not as 'fluffy' as it may appear - well in one way it is but not in another. I'd recommend this film to anyone unsure about whether to see it, as there's more substance to it than first seems.