By Kyle Flynn

When the news broke at the chance that Tender Loving Care was likely Mike Leigh’s last film, similarly to every other critic attending the fall festivals, a film that was already a must-see due to the fact that Leigh has built a career of projects that find a way to live in your core for the rest of life transitioned into going for an experience that may be the swan song for his legacy. 

Tender Loving Care follows two social workers, Amy, played by Kate O’Flynn, and Rosie, played by Alice Bailey Johnson. After Amy’s divorce, she has decided to move into Roise’s home. What follows is a story of love and what it truly means to care for others. It feels equally important to mention the roles Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson play in the film as Amy’s parents. Their role within the ensemble remains at the heart of the narrative when investigating the inner pathos written into the screenplay. 

Over the course of the film, Mike Leigh interweaves the social work that both Amy and Roise are doing in their personal lives. Giving us a peek behind the curtain, while simultaneously rounding out the personalities when they are thrust into a professional environment. Leigh bookends the film, which reads with so much hope and life for humanity and the work we can achieve if we all cared a little more for each other. 

Leigh’s screenplay only works this well because it is brought to life by the cast. Of course, the main cast is made up almost entirely of Leigh regulars, but I have to give massive props to the excellent work done by Nina Gold. Each person found in the various social work assistance scenes feels so well built in and blends seamlessly into the narrative. In my opinion, what Nina Gold accomplishes in this film is the casting achievement of the year. 

Mike Leigh follows the course by getting incredible performances from each actor. Kate O’Flynn, in the midst of being so widely celebrated this year for her role in Widows Bay, delivers a career-best performance in Tender Loving Care. Capturing a sparkle in her eye immediately endears you to her. I feel head over heels in love with Alice Bailey Johnson, excellent throughout. Marion Bailey has never given a bad performance, yet she still manages to make every deliberate action resonate. Finally, Paul Jesson, unlike anything he has done before, almost deceptively steals the movie with a mix of lighter and heavier moments, delivered with a magnetism that makes you realize, throughout the movie, how much the smaller, happy, sad things that happen in your life matter. 

The second-to-last scene within the film encapsulated everything I love about Mike Leigh. It doubles as a precise example of what Tender Loving Care truly looks like. The heart that oozes from the screen and manages to fill your heart works. In the reality that this is Leigh’s last film, it is a great way to go out. 

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 stars