Blithe Spirit

Blithe Spirit is a 2020 comedic romp, starring Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher and Aimee-Ffion Edwards, offering an updated take on Noël Coward's 1941 comic play of the same name. Director Edward Hall and screenwriting duo Piers Ashworth and Meg Leonard shift and amplify its elements to adapt it to the tastes of a contemporary audience, instilling a sense of whimsy and slapstick humor with a dash of romance and fantastical unrealism.

Right at the center of the plot is Dan Stevens who plays Charles Condomine, a struggling crime novelist grappling with a case of writer's block amidst the mourning of his first wife, Elvira. Stevens, known for his portrayal of classics such as "Downton Abbey", demonstrates his wide-ranging acting skills in portraying the desperate, baffled and slightly aloof character of Charles. He captures the essence of the typical British wit and combines it with a mixture of romantic confusion and comedic timing which is essential to drive the plot.

The motivated novelist seeks out the help of an eccentric and flamboyant medium, Madame Arcati, with the hope that she can help him overcome writer's block by conducting a séance that may give him new material for his upcoming detective novel. British treasure Judi Dench plays Madame Arcati, offering a delightful performance that brings the wild eccentricities of her character to life. Despite her botched séances and unorthodox methods, Madame Arcati is utterly convincing and earnest in her pursuit of connecting with the spirit world, appearing in the vibrant garb of the spiritualist complete with glittering jewels and eclectic hats.

Isla Fisher plays the second Mrs. Condomine, Ruth, the more than understanding wife who shares an equally dry British sarcasm as Charles and puts up with her husband's eccentricities. Fisher skilfully conveys the full spectrum of emotions, ranging from loving support to bitter resentment throughout the movie, all the while challenged by the unexpected spectral presence that invades her domestic tranquility.

Aimee-Ffion Edwards completes the main cast as Elvira, the ghostly first wife of Charles, summoned unintentionally at the séance. Elvira, as portrayed by Edwards, is flamboyant, volatile and dangerously mischievous, threatening to upset the balance of Charles'life.

Blithe Spirit is primarily set in the beautiful backdrop of English countryside in the 1930s. The setting of the movie, characterized by an art deco-style mansion, lush lawns and an aesthetic reminiscent of the period, brings to life the charm and elegance of a bygone era. The cinematographer, Ed Wild, and costume designer, Charlotte Walter, truly paint a picture-perfect setting that transports viewers to a time of sienna-toned elegance and nuanced affluence.

As this haphazard rom-com unravels, the movie portrays a convoluted love triangle between Charles, the ever-patient Ruth and the alluring, specter of a past love, Elvira. What ensues is a chaos-ridden narrative where spectral incidents tend to happen with an unnerving spontaneity. The romantic complications take on a laughable tone juxtaposed with the comic horrors of an indomitably returnee ex-wife. The quick-paced dialogue and the ridiculous situations develop a comfortable pace for comedic timing, ensuring constant laughter amongst the audience.

Hall’s production of Blithe Spirit does well to balance its many narrative elements, creating a fun, light-hearted cinematic experience. With witty dialogue, hilarious performances and a whimsical narrative, the film provides plenty of comedic fodder. The narrative offers the promise of hilarity brewed via a cocktail of sparkling spirits, spectral shenanigans, and romantic rendezvous.

Whilst staying true to Coward’s original text, Hall manages to weave a slightly more modern, crowd-pleasing feel into the classic narrative. There's a freshness to Blithe Spirit that benefits the film well, bringing a previously unearthed level of hilarity and absurdity to Coward's British classic.

In conclusion, the 2020 version of Blithe Spirit is a visual feast embodying charismatic performances from a star-studded cast, quick-witted humor and a delightful storyline, ensuring an amusing and entertaining viewing for all audiences. While being a period piece, it resonates with a modern comedic sensibility that is testament to the timelessness of Coward's original text. Blithe Spirit promises a delightful journey blending the surreal with the comic in a twisting tale of a love triangle complicated by the afterlife.