Watch Dear Frankie

Dear Frankie is a heartwarming drama film from 2004 directed by Shona Auerbach, starring Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, and Gerard Butler. Set in the charming coastal town of Greenock, Scotland, the movie follows the story of a young mother, Lizzie (Mortimer), who tries to protect her son Frankie (McElhone) from the harsh realities of the world.

Frankie is a sensitive and imaginative nine-year-old boy who idolizes his father, who he believes is a merchant seaman, traveling around the world. In reality, his father is an abusive man, and Lizzie had to flee with Frankie when he was a baby to protect him from his father's rage. To keep Frankie's spirits high, Lizzie writes letters to him from his father, describing the adventures he's having in different countries, keeping the illusion of his father's existence alive.

But the truth is catching up to them, and soon they have to move to a new town to start afresh. Lizzie hires a stranger, a kindly sailor named Davey (Butler), to act as Frankie's father for a day when he's in town. However, this one lie spirals out of control, and Lizzie finds herself caught in a web of deceit, trying to maintain the illusion. But as events unfold, Lizzie finds herself falling for Davey and wonders if their relationship can be more than what was initially planned.

As Frankie prepares to meet his father for the first time on a forthcoming voyage, Lizzie finds herself grappling with the truth and whether she should reveal the secret she's been hiding from Frankie. Along the way, the movie explores the themes of family, love, and the sacrifices that people make to help protect those they love.

The performances in the film are excellent, with Emily Mortimer delivering a touching portrayal of a mother desperate to protect her son at any cost. Jack McElhone, who plays Frankie, is a revelation, bringing a sense of vulnerability and innocence that is essential for his role. Gerard Butler delivers a heartfelt performance as Davey, a man with a kind heart who falls deeply in love with Lizzie.

The cinematography beautifully captures the stunning Scottish coastline, providing a breathtaking setting for the film's emotional scenes. The musical score, composed by Alex Heffes, is also worth mentioning; it adds a sense of poignancy and atmosphere to the movie.

Overall, Dear Frankie is an engaging and heartwarming drama that explores the complexities of family relationships and what it means to love and be loved. With its strong performances, stunning visuals, and touching storyline, this movie is an emotional journey that audiences will not soon forget.

Dear Frankie is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 63.