I love movies like this because it is a story and a story well told without the big box office blitz or big stars and super special effects.
Directed by Lone Scherfig, Their Finest follows Catrin Cole, played by Gemma Arterton, who fills a man’s job because London has emptied of men now fighting at the Front. The British Ministry of Information hires her as a “slop” scriptwriter charged with bringing “a woman’s touch” to morale-boosting propaganda films. If you didn’t know, a slop writer adds the sentimental touch to a story.
Cole’s natural flair quickly gets her noticed by the dashing movie producer Buckley, played by Sam Claflin, whose path would never have crossed hers in peacetime. As bombs are dropping all around them, Catrin, Buckley, and a colorful crew work furiously to make a film that will warm the nation’s hearts.
Although Catrin’s artist husband looks down on her job, she quickly discovers there is as much camaraderie, laughter, and passion behind the camera as there is on screen.
Bill Nighy is charming in this film. It’s so good to see him in so many films of late.
