Set in the Scottish Isle of Lewis, Phil (Bouli Lanners) is a middle-aged man who suffers a stroke while walking along a local beach. Thankfully he is found and given urgent assistance at a local hospital. Soon the word of Phil’s stroke goes around the community, including to a woman named Millie (Michelle Fairley), who is quite saddened and distressed to hear the news. She contacts the hospital urgently to find out his current condition and status. Millie learns that Phil will be ok but has completely lost his memory.
When Phil returns home, Millie visits him, and she confirms he is suffering from amnesia as he does not recognise her. When Millie offers to take Phil home from a day’s work, the two continue to talk as Phil tries to remember certain key aspects about his family and friends. Millie continues to act ever so slightly awkward around him. Eventually, Millie decides to reveal a dark secret to Phil. Before Phil had his stroke; the two were secretly in love for a few months.
Nobody Has to Know is best described as a slow burn drama with a touch of mystery, especially within the opening storyline and the audience questioning the past relationship of Phil and Millie. Millie, as a character, is quite shy and protective but also determined to reclaim what the two once had. It’s a touching story that interested me early on, especially once Millie introduced herself to Phil with such carefulness and concern. It should also be noted that Bouli Lanners, who plays the character of Phil, also serves as the film’s writer and director.
If the slow-burning plot and little dialogue doesn’t do it for you, the visuals certainly will. The film is visually stunning landscapes and various sceneries, which are a joy. The filming style is also great. Everything on screen is clear and smooth to watch, and moments of drama and touching conversations are captured wonderfully. There is a beautiful, touching soundtrack that consists of gentle piano music. As a plot, it’s highly enjoyable and dramatic, but sadly, the film does get distracted by some minor subplots that either drag the film or take up too much of its runtime instead of keeping on track with the leading couple.
Overall, this is a highly entertaining slow-burning drama film. The film leads, played by Michelle Fairley and Bouli Lanners (who also serves as writer and director), were convincing and delightful to see. Visually the film is also absolutely stunning to look at, with beautiful landscapes and sceneries. Even the dramatic discussions among characters are just beautiful and touching to witness. As for the plot, it’s a wonderful heartfelt story and it did grab my engagement early. Sadly, the film does include some subplots that either overstay their welcome or drag the film ever so slightly.
7.6/10
3rd April 2021
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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