I'm not sure if I heard about this film previously or not, but I like the leading actress, known predominantly in her later years for stage work, I had seen a few things with her, and this sounded like a good watch. Basically, Edith "Edie" Moore (Sheila Hancock) is a bitter, gruff eighty-three-year-old woman who has been caring for her husband George (Donald Pelmear) for a long time. In the months following his death, Edie's relationship with her daughter Nancy (Wendy Morgan) has become strained. Edie tries to convince Nancy that she can cope on her own, but Nancy has already made plans for her mother to move into a retirement home. Seeing the numerous elderly residents and carers, Edie sees this way of living as the beginning of the end. When gathering her belongings, Edie is reminded of a camping trip she wanted to take with her father in the Scottish Highlands. But this never happened, as her husband George was a difficult and controlling man, and made her stay at home, up until his health declined. Nearly thirty years later, Edie decides to escape the home, packs her bags, leaves a phone message for her daughter, and boards a sleeper train from Euston to Scotland. After arriving, she finds her hotel that she has pre-booked, but she has arrived too early and is not allowed in her room. Local young man Jonny (Sunshine on Leith's Kevin Guthrie) offers her a place to sleep in the meantime. Edie talks about her plans to climb the 731-metre Mount Suilven. Jonny, who works in a shop selling climbing and camping gear, has scaled the peak himself and offers to be his trainer and guide. She initially refuses to be helped in the climbing itself but agrees to pay a large amount of money for the right gear, some exercise training, and the basics in camping. Jonny's co-worker and housemate McLaughlin (Paul Brannigan) is more than happy to have Edie spending hundreds on stuff in the shop, but Jonny truly cares for Edie's well-being. Edie and Jonny connect as during their time together she walks about sacrificing so much of her life being a dutiful wife and carer, and she wants to achieve something before it is too late. Eventually, it comes to the point when Edie is ready to climb the mountain. Jonny insists on coming with her for help and support, but she adamant that she can do it alone. Edie sets off on her journey to the highest peak, using a boat to cross the lake on the way, passing a German hiker (Daniela Bräuer) who strikes a short conversation and wishes her good luck. She does manage to set up a tent for the night with no issue. The following day, despite being breathless at times and being on uneasy ground, Edie does manage to travel for some time. She stops for the night in a bothy, sharing with another suspicious man (Calum MacRae) who does not speak but does not object to her staying. The following day it becomes clear that Edie's age and frailties will test her to the limit as she gets higher and higher. Jonny and his girlfriend Fiona (Amy Manson) are concerned for Edie's health and well-being, and he decides to leave and try to catch up to her. On the third day, Edie has started to scale Mount Suilven, but she struggles as she gets closer to the top. Eventually, Jonny has caught up with her, and praises her for how far she has come, suggesting she should consider going back. But Edie refuses to give up, so Jonny decides to aid her towards the top. Finally, after insisting that she can make the final steps alone, Jonny respects her wishes, and Edie reaches the top of the mountain. Edie sighs with relief that she has reached her goal and gazes at the great view below. Also starring Rachael Keiller as Hotel receptionist, Christopher Dunne as Cafe owner, Tori Butler-Hart as Doctor, Tanya Winsor as Jane, and Sallyann Fellowes as Retirement home manager. Hancock gives a wonderfully understated performance as the frustrated elderly widow seeking adventure, despite being ill-equipped and inexperienced, and Guthrie is likeable as the young, experienced climber who offers to help her in any way he can. The banter between the characters is charming, there are humorous moments in the right places, the emotional element keeps you compelled, and the locations look glorious, it is a simple and most engaging drama. Very good!
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