British filmmaker Mike Leigh has released the trailer for Tender Loving Care, his 20th film that he said will most likely be his last.
The 83-year-old director has suffered in recent years from myositis, an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks healthy muscle tissue. The illness has significantly reduced his mobility, leading Leigh to explain that directing another film would be either very difficult or simply impossible.
Working class drama
The new production returns to the themes that established Leigh as a master of British social realism, focusing on the everyday lives and personal relationships of ordinary working-class people.
The story follows Amy, a child protection services worker played by Kate O'Flynn, who moves into a home with her cheerful best friend Rosie, portrayed by Alice Bailey Johnson. Rosie works in social services, where she is forced to confront public anger and dissatisfaction on a daily basis.
At the same time, Amy's elderly parents, played by Paul Jesson and Marion Bailey, attempt to cope with their own personal crisis while anxiously worrying about their daughter's future happiness.
Leigh is famous for developing his films through months of extensive improvisation and character exploration with his actors before finalizing a script. Over a career spanning five decades, his acclaimed works have included High Hopes, Naked, Secrets and Lies, and Vera Drake.
Both Jesson and Bailey are veteran performers of the British stage and screen who have collaborated with Leigh across multiple productions over the years.
Festival awards and cinema release
Tender Loving Care began its public run in September with screenings at several film festivals, including the San Sebastian International Film Festival in northern Spain.
The drama emerged as a major winner at the festival, collecting three awards: the Golden Shell for best film, the jury prize for best screenplay, and the Silver Shell for best leading performance for O'Flynn.
Following its successful festival run, the film is scheduled to arrive in wide international cinema release on December 4.
