Richard Eyre’s film of Alan Bennett’s play has an ensemble star cast which includes, Dame Judi Dench, Jennifer Saunders and Derek Jacobi. The film is high on humour, with some teary-eyed moments, and a twist in the storyline.
The film is about a small Yorkshire hospital called The Beth, which is under threat of closure as part of the Government’s latest cost-cutting, streamlining initiative.
The drama is set within a geriatric ward which is run by no nonsense Sister Gilpin played by Jennifer Saunders and caring and old people lover, Dr Valinder Singh Vashish, known as Dr Valentine, because patients can’t pronounce his name, played by Bally Gill and happy go lucky Nurse Pinkney, played by Jesse Akele.
Some of their patients are Dame Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi and David Bradley. Dench plays patient Mary, a retired librarian with a keen interest in marginalia and a soft spot for Dr Valentine. Ambrose, a former teacher (or schoolmaster as he likes to be referred) is played by Derek Jacobi. David Bradley plays Joe Colman a former miner, who finds it hard to accept his son’s identity as a gay man. His son Colin Colman is played by Russell Tovey who works as a top-level Government consultant.
With such an esteemed star cast, the film wins half it’s battle with their brilliant performances.
It’s important to recognise Bally Gill’s stunning debut performance, where he has to match up to such accomplished and award-winning actors. Gill carries the movie as the main narrator and stands tall with all the other amazing actors from Judi Dench to Jennifer Saunders. Gill does a sterling job, and really brings compassionate Dr Valentine to life, especially with his well mimicked Indian accent.
At its core, Allelujah is a weighty tearjerker, a reflection on life, friendship, old age and second chances. While many scenes brought laughter, there were just as many which left you with a heavy heart. The writers have crafted a powerful script and the directing ensures that each scene is delivered with perfect timing and with finesse.
It’s a rare movie that manages to leave its viewers smiling, laughing, and sobbing simultaneously. Allelujah is definitely one of those films – an outstanding one, at that! Go and catch it in theatres today.
