Those reminiscing about a life once lived in London, or regular visitors to the city, will enjoy Love Sarah, an original story about three generations of women brought together following tragic consequences. The ensemble cast is led by Celia Imrie, star of regular feel-good English flicks such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Imrie plays Mimi, estranged mother to Sarah who is tragically killed on the eve of opening her bakery. The event brings Mimi back into the divided circle with her granddaughter Clarissa (Shannon Tarbet) – Sarah’s daughter – and Sarah’s business partner, Isabella (Shelley Conn).
Isabella has struggled to pay the rent for the lease on the Notting Hill commercial space earmarked for the bakery. Clarissa has quit dancing in the hope that she and Isabella can still open the bakery together in memory of her mother. Their lack of financial resource will find Clarissa on Mimi’s doorstep – initially looking for a bed, but ultimately looking for a cheque book: Mimi has the money that can help them open the business.
Weighing heavily on Mimi’s mind is that she initially refused to assist Sarah financially with the business endeavour, but was to reverse her decision on the eve of Sarah’s death. While it comes too late for mother-daughter relations, Mimi now has a chance to reconnect with Clarissa and Isabella. The arrival of Mimi’s highly-strung sister, Elizabeth, is an added distraction she can do without. However she does her best to console Elizabeth who has escaped the shame of a philandering husband.
Love interest comes in the form of Sarah’s ex-boyfriend and Michelin chef Matthew (Rupert Penry-Jones) who rekindles his passion for Isabella. The creations he bakes in the film were heavily influenced by London-based baker extraordinaire Ottolenghi and features the bakes of the 2016 Great British Bake Off winner, Candice Brown. Mimi forges her own bond with reluctant neighbour and eccentric inventor Felix, played by Bill Paterson of Fleabag fame.
The film is buoyed by these disparate characters and the ebbs and flows of their combined determination to make Sarah’s business dream come alive. The grief doesn’t run too deep but unexpectedly comes in an unlikely finale for another of the characters.
3 stars
Love Sarah is currently screening nationally. Check your local guides for details.
About Love Sarah
Running time: 98 minutes
Rating: M
Directed by Eliza Schroeder
Written by Jake Brunger
Stars Celia Imrie, Shannon Tarbet, Shelley Conn, Rupert Penry-Jones, Bill Paterson
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