A Month by the Lake is a delightful 1995 romantic comedy-drama that exudes a quiet, old-fashioned charm. Based on a novella by H. E. Bates, the film is a masterclass in subtlety and understated emotion, anchored by exceptional performances from its cast.
The plot centers on Miss Bentley (Vanessa Redgrave), a proper, middle-aged English spinster who returns to Lake Como for her annual vacation where she encounters the gruff but handsome Major Wilshaw (Edward Fox), a fellow English traveler who is also on holiday.
The two share a reserved but growing affection, their courtship a delicate dance of unspoken feelings and social formalities. Their tentative romance is complicated by the arrival of Miss Beaumont (Uma Thurman), a flirtatious and much younger American nanny who captivates the Major’s attention.
This love triangle, however, is not a typical one and it is handled with a gentle touch, focusing more on the introspective thoughts and subtle actions of the characters.
Miss Bentley’s inner conflict—between her longing for companionship and her rigid sense of propriety—drives the narrative, while the film’s witty dialogue provides moments of delightful humor.
Redgrave’s performance is nothing short of brilliant; she conveys a world of emotion with the slightest glance or gesture, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. The chemistry between Redgrave and Fox is both poignant and believable, making their slow-burn romance genuinely compelling.
It’s a beautiful and bittersweet story set against the idyllic backdrop of Lake Como in Italy in the spring of 1937, just before the storm of World War II.
The film was directed by John Irvin (Raw Deal, Hamburger Hill, Next of Kin, Eminent Domain).
Uma Thurman in A Month by the Lake (Photo/Miramax Films)
Reception for A Month by the Lake
A Month by the Lake grossed $101,042 on its opening weekend, grossing $10,104 per screen on its limited release of 10 screens.
The film would gross $2.1 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half stars in his review, saying the film “is a sly romantic comedy about a collision of sex, ego, will and pride.”
Legacy
The film’s legacy lies in its rejection of modern romantic clichés in favor of a mature, realistic portrayal of love. It’s a beautifully shot and meticulously crafted period piece that perfectly captures the wistful, “last gasp” feeling of the interwar period.
A Month by the Lake is a sophisticated and emotionally rich film that stands as a testament to the power of a well-told story, proving that quiet moments of connection can be more powerful than grand gestures.
