Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving British drama has references to addiction, suicide.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
What's the Story?
THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is the story of a man called Harold (Jim Broadbent), who receives a letter in the post to tell him that an old colleague of his is terminally ill, and in a hospice in the North East of England. On his way to the post office to send a letter back, he suddenly decides to deliver it by hand, and sets off from his home in the South West, leaving behind his wife, Maureen (Penelope Wilton), to walk the length of the country, convinced that while he keeps walking, his friend will keep living.
Is It Any Good?
While this quaint British drama is an easy, enjoyable watch, there is a sense that it could have been better than it is. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry just lacks a certain spark, in either the charming, semi-whimsical narrative, or in the more profound, poignant elements. Instead, it falls somewhere in between. The plot is fairly simplistic; a man decides to walk the length of England, believing as long as he does so, his terminally-ill friend will stay alive. To buff up the near two-hour runtime, this pilgrimage is filled with strange, dramatic sequences that offer inane and pointless sub-plots, that may well work in the original novel, but in a feature film just don't quite fly. Broadbent and Wilton both elevate the material at hand. Yet what's most surprising is that for a film that gets to show off some of England's most picturesque landscapes, the visual spectacle doesn't quite match up with the performances.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry explored themes around grief. How did Harold and Maureen deal with the death of their son differently? How to talk to kids about difficult subjects.
Would you describe Harold as a positive role model? Why, or why not? What makes as good role model?
How were drinking, smoking, and drugs portrayed? Were there consequences? How did the film portray addiction?
The film explores the strength in community. Do you have a sense of community where you live? What could start one or improve an existing one?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : September 20, 2024
- Cast : Jim Broadbent , Penelope Wilton , Earl Cave
- Director : Hettie Macdonald
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : eOne Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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