Unexpected love later in life and a clash against a monolithic corporation... Surely the perfect ingredients for a gentle romantic comedy drama? Which is what we think we can expect from Hampstead, based on its trailer.
Joel Hopkins directed the film, and Robert Festinger is behind the script, which was inspired by a true story. Diane Keaton stars as Emily Walters is Emily Walters, an American widow living on the edge of Hampstead Heath who, despite close friendships and a nice flat, can’t help but worry that she’s drifting through life without a plan. One day, while looking out across the grasslands and trees, she spots a ramshackle hut and its unkempt occupant, who appears to be having trouble with violent attackers. After calling the police and watching them arrive, she goes to check on the man.
Turns out Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson) has lived quietly and peacefully on the edge of the Heath for nearly two decades, but is now facing trouble from property developers who are trying to force him out. Instead of tying balloons to his shack and floating away to paradise, he has Emily to fight his corner, going up against her friend Fiona, who has taken the side of the developers.
With James Norton, Lesley Manville and Simon Callow in the cast, Hampstead will be out on 23 June.