Peter (Timothy Spall) works at the Manchester bank. We learn early in the film that Peter is, in fact, a kind-hearted man who is willing to help others in need, even when management above will disagree with his decision and kindness. Thanks to personal narration and deep thinking, we also discover that he found his unique hobby- a passion for the weather- while he was young. For Peter, understanding the weather is highly fascinating, and it’s something that is forever changing and always happening around him. We also hear Peter’s thoughts about his family upbringing, including his relationship with his brother, Daniel.
When Peter goes to work, he finds a letter on his desk from management forcing him to enter a life of retirement and live his days on a pension. Peter decides now is the time to finally take a trip he’s been meaning to do for a very long time and visit his brother who lives in Benidorm. But as Peter arrives in Benidorm, he soon finds several odd occurrences. Firstly, Peter learns that Daniel has been missing and no one has seen him since three days ago. Not only that, Peter discovers that Daniel is a proud owner of a club that he never knew about. Now Peter begins to investigate to understand more about his brother and hopefully find out where he is. He also meets a female dancer from his brother’s club, Alex (Sarita Choudhury). The two form an unexpected friendship that may develop into something far greater in due time.
It Snows in Benidorm is best classed as a drama. Still, to my surprise, there are minor elements of mystery, such as Peter investigating his brother’s disappearance, and the film sneaks in a few gags and sexual references. Visuals are pleasing with stunning camera work, and fun locations and settings. The visuals here are so pleasing that I felt like taking a holiday at the end of this film.
The first act is a wonderful setup. We understand Peter as a character, including his kind nature towards others in need and his passion for the weather. After being forced to retire, the character has a sense of adventure, and we are excited to see Peter meet a family member he’s been meaning to see for quite some time. And while watching, I found myself excited for the lead as he began a whole new chapter in his life. Actor Timothy Spall brings a likeable performance once again, and I found myself generally invested in his character.
But sadly, what starts as an exciting new adventure introducing some mystery turns into something far slower than I preferred. With each act, the film became even slower until it finally reached its conclusion and focuses on an unlikely romance. The conclusion feels vague, and viewers will be left wanting answers, even more so if you stay for the credits where something important and questionable is revealed. While I always enjoy a touching romance, it seems slightly forced, unfitting and at times uninteresting. The exciting aspects, such as Peter looking for his brother and trying to move forward with his life, feel like a secondary objective while watching. Even when Peter is investigating, viewers know it’s only a matter of time until we see him interacting with Alex soon.
Overall, Timothy Spall brings another likeable role to life. Thanks to the first act, the film has a fun story and a dramatic introduction. But sadly, after a strong first act, it becomes gradually slower throughout the second and third acts. The mix of drama, thriller and romance, along with rude, crass jokes, makes this film a little quirky and odd at times. The conclusion; however, feels vague and hollow, and viewers will be left with more questions instead of feeling excited and enlightened.
5.4/10
14th March 2022
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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