Inspired by the 2008 novel of the same name, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society follows writer Juliet Ashton (Lily James) and her relationship with the strangely named book club on Guernsey island.
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Lily James, Matthew Goode, Jessica Brown Findlay
Running time: 124 mins
Set in post-World War Two Britain, we’re first introduced to Juliet as a wealthy but dissatisfied author, surrounded by the party and glamour of the upper class. Describing the new society as ‘a long black tunnel into a carnival’ after the war, there’s a feeling that the lead is looking for something less superficial.
After receiving a letter from a stranger, the protagonist ends up on Guernsey island with an odd but kind group of locals, all of which form the Potato Peel Pie Society. Full of ‘quirky Britain’ stereotypes, the film is predictable but sweet, looking at themes like community and love. A sentiment captured through the words of Juliet’s love interest, Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman), explaining that when the society was first created over a meal, they were all so hungry for food but the thing they were even hungrier for was connection.
The film has a classic love triangle element between Dawsey, Juliet and her fiancé back in London, but it isn’t necessarily the focal point. The message is more about friendship and finding your people.
It’s a great celebration of community and hope, as well as a love letter to both Guernsey and literature
Much like director Mike Newell’s other films, including Mona Lisa Smile, Love in the Time of Cholera and Great Expectations, the film doubles as a piece of historical fiction. It explores what Guernsey was like in World War Two during the German occupation of the island, looking at loss and courage and the aftermath of conflict. It’s through this the mystery aspect of Elizabeth Mckenna, founder of the society is introduced, revealing her whereabouts is unknown after the German soldiers took her. In some parts the film felt like it struggled to keep a stable tone when flipping between present and past, unsure of whether it was a light romance or a gritty look at history.
Saying that, I enjoyed the film. It’s a great celebration of community and hope, as well as a love letter to both Guernsey and literature. The filming was beautiful and included some great cinematic shots, particularly of the town and nature surrounding it. The actors worked together well and the main characters were well crafted, deep with vulnerability and individual charm. I especially liked the performances from Katherine Parkinson in the role of Isola and Penelope Wilton in the role of Amelia, playing a kind but awkward woman in search of love and a mother grieving the loss of her daughter, trying to protect the people she loves.
Overall, it’s a good Sunday evening film, one that will leave you feeling inspired but cosy. Nothing ground-breaking but easy to watch and enjoy.
Did you know? Jessica Brown Findlay, Matthew Goode, Lily James and Penelope Wilton have all starred in Downton Abbey.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is screening at Broadway Cinema until Thursday 3 May
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