Watch Peter's Friends
- R
- 1992
- 1 hr 41 min
-
7.0 (12,276)
Peter's Friends is a 1992 British comedy-drama film directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring a talented ensemble cast of actors including Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh himself, Phyllida Law, Imelda Staunton and Rita Rudner. The film follows the reunion of six university friends, who have not seen each other for over a decade, as they gather together in the country house of their old friend Peter (Stephen Fry) to celebrate New Year's Eve.
As the guests arrive, it becomes clear that all of them have their own secrets, insecurities, and personal demons. Andrew (Kenneth Branagh) is a struggling writer who is still in search of his big break in Hollywood, while his wife Carol (Imelda Staunton) is dealing with her fear of aging and the possibility of losing her fertility. Roger (Hugh Laurie) is a successful businessman who is secretly struggling with his tragic past, while his partner Mary (Emma Thompson) is dealing with her own grief over the loss of their child. Maggie (Phyllida Law) is Peter's mother, who has a terminal illness and is trying to make the most of the time she has left.
The group spends the next few days catching up, reminiscing, and confronting the issues that have been gnawing at them for years. Tensions and emotions run high as they unburden themselves of their fears and regrets, and try to come to terms with their past mistakes and missed opportunities.
At the center of it all is Peter, the charming and hilarious host of the party, who is trying to keep everyone's spirits up despite the difficult circumstances. He is the glue that holds the group together, but even he has his own problems to deal with - namely, his failing marriage to the glamorous and self-absorbed Daisy (Rita Rudner).
As the days go by, the group shares a series of heartwarming and often heartbreaking moments - from Andrew's touching tribute to Peter's mother, to Roger's cathartic breakdown on the dance floor, to Mary's soulful rendition of a Joni Mitchell song. Through it all, they come to realize that despite their flaws and shortcomings, they are still the same people who loved each other and laughed together in their younger days.
Peter's Friends is a poignant and intimate portrayal of friendship and the human condition. It is a film about how we can help each other through life's toughest moments, and how even the most broken and flawed among us can find redemption and hope through the power of love and connection. With a sharp script, an exceptional ensemble cast, and Branagh's deft direction, this film is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Peter's Friends is a 1992 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.