Much happens in a marriage over the course of 45 years. But the quiet drama “45 Years” shows that a lot can also happen between a husband and wife over the course of just one week. The story centers on Geoff (played by Tom Courtenay) and Kate (Charlotte Rampling), who live in cozy home on the England countryside and are about to celebrate the title milestone length with a grand party on the upcoming Saturday night. But on Monday a letter arrives revealing some surprising news from the past which, over the following days, will put unexpected pressure on, and actually begin to change, their relationship.
“45 Years” has an authentic feel, highlighted by Geoff and Kate’s very natural conversations. But the pacing is extremely slow, even for this intimate genre, and we’re challenged, for the first hour or so, to invest in these characters and their situation. There are occasional moments of interest, particularly when director Andrew Haigh keeps the camera rolling to capture reactions in the dark following the couples’ nightly bedroom conversations.
And then, thankfully, Kate makes a discovery in the house that becomes the game-changing event of the film, raising tensions between the pair and leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion.
The slow pace of “45 Years” does allow us to really appreciate Rampling’s performance. She has a number of excellent scenes, many of them when she is alone on screen, not saying a word. The impact of her wide range of restrained emotions come through: the pain, anger, frustration, sadness, confusion – all of which, she admits at one point to her husband, she cannot express aloud. Courtenay holds his own in this character study, but it’s undoubtedly Rampling’s performance that makes this movie worth your time.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “45 Years” gets a B.
Running Time: 95 min.