Cheerful Weather for the Wedding

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding is a romantic comedy-drama released in 2012, directed by Donald Rice. The film is set in England in the 1930s and tells the story of Dolly (Felicity Jones), a young woman who is about to get married to Owen (James Norton), a wealthy man she doesn't particularly love.

The action takes place on the day of the wedding, in a big old house in the countryside where Dolly's family has gathered to celebrate the occasion. Dolly's mother, Mrs. Thatcham (Elizabeth McGovern), is a formidable woman who is determined to make her daughter's wedding day a success, no matter what. However, things don't go as planned when Joseph (Luke Treadaway), a handsome young man who has a past with Dolly, shows up uninvited.

The film is based on a novel by Julia Strachey, but the plot has been adapted for the screen by the director, Donald Rice, and Mary Henely-Magill. The story is told through a series of flashbacks and present-day scenes, and the audience is gradually introduced to the characters and their motivations.

The film's main focus is on the relationships between the characters, particularly between Dolly and Joseph. Despite being engaged to Owen, Dolly clearly has unresolved feelings for Joseph, and as the wedding day progresses, it becomes apparent that these feelings are mutual. However, Joseph is not the only obstacle to Dolly's happiness. Her mother is also a significant force, and her insistence on upholding social standards and maintaining decorum at all costs adds an extra layer of tension to the proceedings.

The film is visually stunning, with beautiful scenery and set design that evoke the elegance of the 1930s. The costumes are also immaculate, with the women dressed in exquisite, flowing dresses, and the men sporting top hats and tails.

The acting in Cheerful Weather for the Wedding is superb, with Felicity Jones delivering a standout performance as Dolly. She perfectly captures the character's conflict between duty and desire, and her chemistry with Luke Treadaway is palpable. Elizabeth McGovern is also excellent as Mrs. Thatcham, conveying both her strength and her vulnerability in equal measure.

In addition to its romantic storyline, the film also deals with issues of class and social hierarchy. Dolly's family is of a higher social standing than Joseph's, and this divide is made more apparent by the presence of Owen, whose wealth and position elevate him even further above both Dolly and Joseph. The film doesn't shy away from examining these issues, and it adds an extra layer of complexity to the relationships between the characters.

Overall, Cheerful Weather for the Wedding is a charming, well-crafted film that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and period dramas alike. Its beautiful visuals, excellent performances, and emotionally resonant storyline make it a film that is not to be missed.