In 1979 London, Peter Turner (Jamie Bell) is entranced by visiting American actress Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening). They begin a romantic affair. In 1981 Liverpool, Peter is living at home with his parents. Gloria arrives to reignite the relationship but she's suffering from a devastating illness.
Bening delivers another great performance. She has a real transformation. Her charisma and screen presence is undeniable. However, the movie doesn't allow the relationship to develop. It's a melodrama thrown at the wall as it watches whether anything actually sticks. The only thing that truly sticks is Bening. The chemistry is on and off. The structure assumes the chemistry rather than nurtures it. This has its moments and Bening almost carries it by her sheer acting power.
Bening delivers another great performance. She has a real transformation. Her charisma and screen presence is undeniable. However, the movie doesn't allow the relationship to develop. It's a melodrama thrown at the wall as it watches whether anything actually sticks. The only thing that truly sticks is Bening. The chemistry is on and off. The structure assumes the chemistry rather than nurtures it. This has its moments and Bening almost carries it by her sheer acting power.