Watch Learning to Drive

Learning to Drive is a heartfelt drama-comedy film directed by Isabel Coixet and starring leading actors Patricia Clarkson, Ben Kingsley, and Grace Gummer. The movie, released in 2014, follows the story of a successful New York literary critic named Wendy Shields (Clarkson) who is struggling to cope with the sudden departure of her husband. To regain her confidence and independence, Wendy decides to learn to drive and seeks help from Sikh driving instructor Darwan Singh Tur (Kingsley).

The film takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, and unexpected friendship as Wendy embarks on the journey of learning to drive. Initially, she is hesitant, nervous, and unaware of the rules of the road. Her instructor, Darwan, is a patient and a wise man who teaches her not only how to drive but also how to navigate the complexities of life. Darwan is also going through personal turmoil and, like Wendy, is struggling with his own relationships.

As Wendy and Darwan spend more time together, they develop a deep bond and begin to understand each other's cultures and backgrounds. Wendy's previously privileged and sheltered life contrasts with Darwan's humble and content lifestyle, which he finds therapeutic despite the hardships he faces. Through the light-hearted conversations and wise teachings, Wendy starts to view the world from a different perspective and learns to appreciate the small things in life.

Meanwhile, Wendy's daughter, Tasha (Grace Gummer), is experiencing troubles of her own. She is a young and aspiring writer who is constantly rejected from publishers and remains uncertain about her future. Tasha is also dealing with heartbreak and jealousy, which causes a rift between her and her mother. However, Wendy's newfound sense of self and the lessons learned from Darwan's teachings help Wendy reconcile with her daughter and provide her with guidance on her future.

The film is an excellent portrayal of the significance of human connection and the transformative power of unexpected friendships. The acting performances are powerful, with Clarkson and Kingsley delivering an authentic and nuanced portrayal of their characters. The subtle humor and touching moments throughout the movie make it a heartwarming and feel-good film.

The driving lessons that play a part in the story serve as a metaphor for the characters' personal growth journey, and the driving scenes serve as a scenic backdrop for their emotional breakthroughs. The cinematography is excellent, with the stunning shots of New York and its suburbs providing an immersive experience for the audience.

Overall, Learning to Drive is a beautiful and uplifting film that addresses the complexities of life, relationships, and self-growth. Through its relatable characters and charming storyline, the movie delivers a powerful message about how our struggles shape us and how we often find guidance in the most unexpected places.

Learning to Drive is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 59.