Watch How About You

How About You is a heartwarming, feel-good drama film directed by Anthony Byrne that was released in 2007. The story is set in a residential home for the elderly in Ireland during the Christmas holidays. The main character of the movie is Ellie Harris (played by Hayley Atwell), a young and carefree woman who works as a nursing assistant at the home. She is forced to take a break from her busy life and return to the home where she grew up to step in for her older sister as a caretaker for the holiday season.

The other four residents of the home are a group of curmudgeonly, opinionated, and sharp-witted old-timers who are less than thrilled to have Ellie there. They include the irritable, wheelchair-bound Donald Vanston (Joss Ackland), the acerbic, chain-smoking Heather Nightingale (Imelda Staunton), the imaginative and flighty Georgia Platts (Vanessa Redgrave), and the cantankerous and suspicious Hazel Nightingale (Brenda Fricker).

As Ellie struggles to connect with the residents and deal with their various idiosyncrasies, she decides to try an unorthodox approach to their care. She proposes that they all stay up late every night together, watch old movies, and play cards, hoping the added companionship will soften their attitudes towards one another.

Throughout the film, the characters' histories and personalities are gradually revealed, with each flashback and conversation adding depth and humanity to their quirks and foibles.

The underlying theme of the movie is the transformative power of companionship, as the residents slowly warm up to Ellie and to one another, learning to set aside their differences and resentments and enjoying each other's company. The story develops in subtle yet touching ways, with a few poignant moments that are sure to have viewers reaching for the tissues.

The performances of the cast members, particularly those of Redgrave and Ackland, are outstanding, with each actor bringing nuance, wit, and pathos to their respective roles. The chemistry between the characters feels believable and natural, and the dialogue is both sharp and empathetic.

The film's pacing is leisurely, allowing for each character to have their own moment in the spotlight, but it never drags or becomes tedious. The setting of the home is also beautifully shot, with the Christmas decorations and the surrounding landscape adding to the film's cozy, festive atmosphere.

Overall, How About You is a charming and uplifting movie that offers a warm and moving portrayal of human relationships and what it means to be a part of a community. Whether you're in the mood for a feel-good Christmas story or a thoughtful character-driven drama, this film is sure to delight and inspire.

How About You is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 50.