From the incisive humanism of Secrets & Lies and Naked to the immersive period detail of Topsy-Turvy and Peterloo, Mike Leigh brings a high level of TLC to his one-of-a-kind filmography. So it’s only appropriate that Tender Loving Care is the title of the British auteur’s latest — and likely final — film. Bleecker Street has released the first trailer for the drama ahead of its Dec. 11 theatrical release.
Set in contemporary London, the film follows best friends Amy (Kate O’Flynn) and Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson), who keep each other’s spirits up as they deal with difficult jobs as social workers and disappointing love lives. Amy has an added burden: Her aging parents, Birdie (Marion Johnson) and Geoff (Paul Jesson), are confronting a serious health challenge that will change their small, loving family forever.
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“Is it too early to open a bottle?” Amy cheekily asks Rosie after one particular stressful day. “Absolutely not,” her friend replies.
Watch the trailer above and read on for everything you need to know about Tender Loving Care.
The plot
A scene from ‘Tender Loving Care’
Here’s the official synopsis from Bleecker Street: “Palme d’Or winner and Academy Award nominee Mike Leigh returns with his next feature film, continuing his insightful exploration of the contemporary world. With his distinctive cinematic voice, he once again delves into themes that challenge and resonate with modern audiences.”
The cast and creative team
Kate O’Flynn in ‘Tender Loving Care’
Tender Loving Care‘s four core cast members are all Leigh veterans who also appeared in his 2014 period drama Mr. Turner, starring Timothy Spall as legendary British painter J.M.W. Turner. Brid Brennan and Peter Wight also appear in the supporting cast.
Behind the camera, Leigh is joined by cinematographer Lucy Bristow, who takes over for his late, longtime collaborator Dick Pope; Nina Gold serves as casting director; Nora Robertson is the hair and makeup designer; Jacqueline Durran is the costume designer; and Gary Yershon composed the music.
The awards prospects
O’Flynn in and Alice Bailey Johnson in ‘Tender Loving Care’
Leigh scored his first Oscar nominations at the 1997 ceremony for Secrets & Lies, which earned five nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. He later earned two more nominations for Topsy-Turvy and two for Vera Drake. Along with Secrets & Lies‘ Best Picture nomination, that brings his career total to seven.
A Best Original Screenplay nomination for Tender Loving Care would raise that count to eight, and Gold Derby’s expert oddsmakers have Leigh as an on-the-bubble contender in that category. The film may be Leigh’s last; he has said it is “more than probable” that he will not make another, citing his myositis diagnosis and its effect on his mobility.
Meanwhile, O’Flynn could be a double nominee at the Golden Globes and SAG Actor Awards thanks to the combination of Tender Loving Care and her Emmy-winning role in the Apple TV phenom, Widow’s Bay. She’s within striking distance of an Oscar nomination as well, currently occupying the No. 7 spot on our experts-only leaderboard.
The release date
Tender Loving Care opens in limited release on Dec. 11 and will expand to more theaters heading into January.
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