The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Film
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a 2018 British-French historical comedy-drama film directed by Mike Newell and written by Don Roos and Tom Bezucha. The screenplay is based on the 2008 novel of the same name, written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The film stars Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine Parkinson, Matthew Goode, Tom Courtenay and Penelope Wilton.
Set in 1946, the plot follows Juliet (Lily James), a charismatic and free-spirited writer who receives a letter from a member of a mysterious literary club started during the War in German-occupied Guernsey. Her curiosity piqued, Juliet decides to visit the island. There she meets the delightfully eccentric members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, including Dawsey (Michiel Huisman), the rugged and intriguing farmer who wrote her the letter. As the secrets from their wartime past unfold, Juliet begins to form a picture of what it was like during the occupation. She forms an unexpected bond with the residents of the island when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war. Her growing attachment to the island, the book club and her affection for Dawsey will change the course of her life forever.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
premiered in London on 9th April 2018, and was released in cinemas in
the UK on 20th April 2018. The film received very positive reviews from
critics.
Cinema Trailer
Production
In July 2010, producer Paula Mazur announced that a script based on the 2008 novel of the same name, written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, had been picked up by Fox 2000 Pictures. Despite a lack of financial incentives, Mazur stated she wanted the adaptation to be filmed on the titular island of Guernsey, stating "It's all a matter of economics and what looks right, but I can't imagine not filming in Guernsey." Several actresses were mentioned as potential cast members, including Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt. On 4th August 2011, it was announced that Kenneth Branagh was set to direct the film, with filming aimed to commence in March 2012.
On 13th January 2012, Winslet agreed to portray the lead role of Juliet
Ashton. However, in April 2012, the film was delayed for another year
due to scheduling conflicts. In February 2013, Winslet dropped out of
the project, alongside then-director Branagh. In April 2013, Michelle
Dockery was offered the lead role, though she later declined. In February
2016, Mike Newell was announced to direct the film, with Rosamund Pike
circling for the lead role. StudioCanal would finance and distribute the
film. Eventually, in October 2016, Lily James was confirmed to star as
Juliet. In March 2017, Michiel Huisman and Glen Powell both signed for
the roles of Dawsey Adams and Mark Reynolds respectively. The film entered
pre-production in January 2017, with filming set to commence in March..
Filming
Principal photography began on 21st March 2017 in North Devon. Exterior shots were filmed at Princes Wharf, Bristol to represent Weymouth Docks in 1946. For the London portion of the shoot, photography took place on Sicilian Avenue. Scenes were also shot at the House of Detention in Sans Walk, Clerkenwell. Studio work was completed at Ealing Studios. Filming wrapped on 15th May 2017, with the first official images of the film released.
Release
The film premiered in London on 9th April 2018, and was
theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 20th April and in France
on 13th June by StudioCanal. Scheduled release in other international
areas, such as the United States, Canada, Latin America and certain parts
of Europe, is 10th August 2018.
Critical Reception
The film received very positive reviews from critics. The Daily Telegraph said "Mike Newell’s adaptation of Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’s epistolary novel is a film you don’t spend time with so much as spend time in: every location in this irresistible romantic mystery is like a little mini-break for the soul, every costume and piece of set-dressing nibble-ably gorgeous, and every character a pleasure to keep company with, even the rotters." On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 79%.
Cast
Lily James as Juliet Ashton
Michiel Huisman as Dawsey Adams
Glen Powell as Mark Reynolds
Jessica Brown Findlay as Elizabeth McKenna
Katherine Parkinson as Isola Pribby
Matthew Goode as Sidney Stark
Tom Courtenay as Eben Ramsey
Penelope Wilton as Amelia Maugery
Bronagh Gallagher as Charlotte Stimple
Kit Connor as Eli Ramsey
Andy Gathergood as Eddie Meares
Florence Keen as Kit McKenna
Nicolo Pasetti as Christian Hellmann