Summerland (2020) is a British wartime drama written and directed by Jessica Swale.

Starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Lucas Bond, and Tom Courtenay, the film is a touching story of love, loss, and unexpected connections set against the backdrop of World War II.

The story follows Alice Lamb (Gemma Arterton), a reclusive and sharp-witted writer living alone on the English coast. Preferring solitude, she is viewed as an outsider by the local community. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is forced to care for Frank (Lucas Bond), a young evacuee sent from London to escape the war. Initially reluctant and cold toward him, Alice gradually forms a deep bond with Frank, revealing layers of her past in the process.

Through flashbacks, we learn about Alice’s lost love, Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), with whom she shared a pᴀssionate romance that ended in heartbreak. As Alice rediscovers hope and connection through her relationship with Frank, she also finds a way to heal from her past and embrace the idea of family in an unconventional way.

Summerland beautifully explores themes of love, acceptance, and the impact of war on personal lives. With stunning cinematography capturing the picturesque English countryside and a heartfelt performance from Arterton, the film balances moments of melancholy with warmth and hope.

While it may follow familiar beats of period dramas, its focus on LGBTQ+ themes and unconventional family dynamics adds a refreshing depth. A poignant and uplifting film, Summerland reminds us that love and connection can be found in the most unexpected places.