Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this short film tells the story of an emotionally distraught woman played by Frances Barber who stays at a spa where talking is forbidden. While there, she meets a kind man played by Paul McGann and the two of them gradually fall in love. Given the location, there is very dialogue in the film, perhaps 10 or 12 lines in 22 minutes, but there is nevertheless a strong love story that develops between the couple as they spend more and more time together. Barber and particularly McGann, who has no lines at all, were able to rely on their facial expressions to communicate the characters' feelings to the audience. The only other credited cast member is Nanette Newman, who has a small role as the spa owner.
The script is very well observed and poignant. Of all Branagh's directorial efforts, this and "In the Bleak Midwinter" are the only ones for which he wrote an original screenplay not based on a previous work. There is a fantastic scene in which the woman breaks the rules and plays Beethoven on her CD player for the man. This evokes a very strong emotional reaction from him and he breaks down crying after less than minute but not for the reason that you might think. The film has a very sad, moving ending which I did not foresee. Interestingly, the two main characters are not named and the source of the woman's emotional distress is not revealed. I think that this was a great decision as it emphasises the fact that the man and the woman are like ships that pass in the night.
The script is very well observed and poignant. Of all Branagh's directorial efforts, this and "In the Bleak Midwinter" are the only ones for which he wrote an original screenplay not based on a previous work. There is a fantastic scene in which the woman breaks the rules and plays Beethoven on her CD player for the man. This evokes a very strong emotional reaction from him and he breaks down crying after less than minute but not for the reason that you might think. The film has a very sad, moving ending which I did not foresee. Interestingly, the two main characters are not named and the source of the woman's emotional distress is not revealed. I think that this was a great decision as it emphasises the fact that the man and the woman are like ships that pass in the night.