31/48
Based on a true story, this film had its world premiere at the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, IN, to a sold-out crowd on Saturday, October 8, 2022
Narrative
The brilliant but emotionally reserved Caro Drake arrives at Oxford with the singular goal of earning her doctorate, but through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself to mystery, vulnerability and love. Carolyn Weber, author of the book whose biographical novel the film is based on, was in attendance, along with actress Rose Reid, who played Caro Drake in the film, and other members of the production.
Caro makes a few friends and discovers, largely in spite of herself, that she is attracted to the charmingly enigmatic “Kent” (Ruairi O’Connor)
Christmas Eve in My Hometown Written by Stanley William Zabka and Donald Upton Played by Eddie Fisher (1951 recording) Caro Drake (Rose Reid) is a typically dedicated student who arrives at Oxford University on a scholarship, determined to succeed, make her family proud and leave with her doctorate. She is naturally quite shy and reserved, but she is no shrinking violet – helpfully, as her charismatic neighbour is Edward (Louis Landau) – and he is a bit of a Lothario.
What now follows is the beginning of a love story set in the fine colleges of Oxford
He is an interesting character who lives his life according to some strong Christian principles that seem intended to ensure that their relationship cannot really develop any further. There are a useful series of scenes with the college dean (Phyllis Logan) that help to give some substance to the bones of this initially rather superficial individual; Simon Callow appears to instigate some serious theoretical debate and Mark Williams proves to be the honest, inspiring – and rather sarcastic – lecturer we so badly need at this stage of our educational lives.
It wasn’t what I expected, and it’s worth watching
There’s actually a decent amount of on-screen chemistry between Reid and O’Connor, and while it does border on the introspective at times, it’s a pretty engaging look at a true story of two people finding their way, their priorities, and making their way in life. P.S.