Enchanted April (1991) Review: A Slow-Paced Journey of Self-Discovery

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Enchanted April is a 1991 drama directed by Mike Newell, with a screenplay by Peter Barnes. The film is based on the 1922 novel The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim.

Plot Overview: A Quiet Vacation with Anticlimactic Twists

The film takes place shortly after the events of World War I. A woman named Lotty befriends Rose at the ladies’ club. The main reason behind this interaction is a newspaper advertisement concerning the rental of a castle, San Salvatore, in Italy. Lotty is desperate for a change and tries to persuade the seemingly unwilling Rose to rent this place together and share their expenses. Rose’s marriage lacks love, since her husband Frederick is emotionally cold and appears to have grown tired of her. At the same time, Lotty wishes for a break from her routine of constantly trying to please her husband Mellersh. The two women have a discussion with the owner, George Briggs, who willingly rents them the villa. Meanwhile, Lotty and Rose approach two respectable women, Mrs. Fisher and Caroline Dester, suggesting they rent the castle together.

The four women finally travel to the Italian castle, where their different personalities interact with one another. What they all have in common is a deep sense of unhappiness and loneliness. As time passes, Lotty and Rose invite their husbands to San Salvatore, despite Mrs. Fisher’s and Caroline’s initial reluctance. The arrival of the men at their vacation mildly upsets the existing dynamic.

Regarding the plot, it is rather slow-paced. This makes total sense, since the movie is associated with themes of vacation and relaxation. I was surprised to find that the preparation segment took almost one-third of the movie’s total duration. In addition, I was expecting to see more significant and memorable events occur among the women in San Salvatore. Right before the men’s arrival at the castle, Mrs. Fisher expresses an inner monologue concerning something bad that is about to happen. There is a hidden secret, yet nothing dramatic actually occurs. In general, this movie is a bit flat and builds up some expectations, but it turns out to be somewhat anticlimactic. I have not read the novel, but I feel like this adaptation is a bit detached and vague.

Character Analysis: Four Distinct Women and Their Burdens

Rose Arbuthnot appears a bit distant, but she is kind, highly ethical, and religious. She is burdened by her marriage to a writer with whom she has little in common. At the same time, her husband seems to have lost interest in her.

Lotty Wilkins loves her husband but desperately needs an escape from routine. She confesses her thoughts to Rose and persuades her to rent the castle in San Salvatore together.

Mrs. Fisher is a domineering widow, but deep down, she seeks to alleviate her loneliness.

Lady Caroline Dester is a highly attractive and wealthy woman who wishes for some alone time at the castle. She is exhausted by being the center of attention due to her beauty and wealth. She feels lonely and misses her fiancé, who died in the war. Lady Caroline tends to be shallow and vain, as she is used to enchanting every man she meets.

Mellersh Wilkins is Lotty’s husband. He is obsessed with his work and with maintaining high-profile social contacts. After learning that his wife is a friend of Lady Caroline, he becomes supportive of his wife’s new connection.

Frederick Arbuthnot is an erotic writer who neglects his wife, Rose. He also has a secret that will upset the dynamic of San Salvatore.

George Briggs is the owner of San Salvatore. He is a kind and friendly man who is attracted to Rose.

It was actually very interesting to watch four different female personalities brought together in this Italian castle. However, I wish Lady Caroline’s complex character had been more thoroughly explored in the film.

Acting Performances: A Talented Cast Brings Depth to the Screen

The female cast is comprised of Josie Lawrence as Lotty Wilkins, Miranda Richardson as Rose Arbuthnot, Joan Plowright as Mrs. Fisher, and Polly Walker as Caroline Dester. The male cast includes Alfred Molina as Mellersh Wilkins, Jim Broadbent as Frederick Arbuthnot, and Michael Kitchen as George Briggs.

The performances were well-delivered, with the female cast successfully complementing one another throughout the storyline. The male actors were also highly convincing in their roles. Meanwhile, I particularly appreciated the chemistry between Miranda Richardson and Michael Kitchen, who play Rose and George Briggs, respectively.

Direction and Cinematography: From Dreary London to Vibrant Portofino

The direction is slow-paced, with an absence of melodramatic tones. As the story gradually shifts from England to Italy, the visuals change accordingly. The first part, which takes place in England, features dull colors and a pessimistic atmosphere that reflect the female protagonists’ inner states. When the narrative moves to Italy, the atmosphere becomes light and the colors vibrant.

The Italian castle where the four women spend their vacation is located in Portofino. This is the exact castle where the writer of the novel stayed. The scenery is magnificent and peaceful, combining nature with the sea element and evoking a feeling of independence and renewal.

Final Verdict: An Optimistic, If Underwhelming, Adaptation

Enchanted April concludes with optimism and hope. Each female character gets her happy ending, provided it does not deviate from the social conventions of the time. While the film offers beautiful visuals and solid performances, its slow pacing and anticlimactic narrative may leave some viewers wanting more dramatic payoff.

Details

• Rating Certificate: PG (for some mild language)
• Studios & Distributors: BBC Film | Miramax | Greenpoint Films
• Director: Mike Newell
• Written By: Elizabeth von Arnim | Peter Barnes
• Country: United Kingdom
• Language: English
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Run Time: 95 Mins.
• Original Release Date: 24 April 1992 (USA)