Culminates in a tragically powerful scene. Spall and Blethyn bring humanity to their roles. Captivating cinematography in seemingly simple shots.

I empathised with Hortense, and the story was really cleverly strung together, but ultimately the subtle racism to her at the end made me quit

Well crafted story. BB does such a great job.

This movie has a slow and steady burn that increases in intensity until the fantastic final scenes. I was really surprised that the movie ended up where it did, and I shouldn't have been. So often when I watch these supposed classics they do not live up to my expectations. Not this movie. The acting alone is worth the price of admission. follow me at https://IHATEBadMovies.com or facebook IHATEBadMovies

A woman decides to find out who her biological mother is. The film explores pain, grief, identity, loneliness, family cycles, do we turn into our parents? Beautiful almost overbearing score by Andrew Dickson works well. Tim Spall and Brenda Blethyn are exceptional, especially Spall (despite all the plaudits that seemed to go Blethyn's way - her performance was a little cartoony at times, which probably helped to quell the dourness). The long take in the cafe is brilliant, and the scene at the BBQ outside where they are all talking over is brilliantly directed. There is alot going on, lots of little things like the character Paul being responsible for the make up assistant's disfigurement, as he is banned from driving. Life is rarely perfect. It mostly sucks. But Mike Leigh films make it better.