After his wife's death, 75-year-old Hal (Christopher Plummer) let his son Oliver (McGregor) into a secret: he was gay. Beginning a relationship with the much younger Andy (Goran Visnjic), Hal enjoyed his newfound liberation, until his diagnosis with terminal cancer.
Now, after Hal's death, graphic artist Oliver is embarking on a romance with French actress Anna (Melanie Laurent), and is prompted to reminisce about the last few years of his father's life.
Met with a warm reception from critics, Mills' autobiographical comedy drama is a quirky and original gem. Performances are strong across the board, with Plummer in particular a joy to watch. Bagging a Best Supporting Male Oscar for this amusing and wonderfully unrestrained turn, the 82-year-old became the oldest recipient of a competitive Academy Award. Alongside, McGregor exudes his usual breezy charm. This, along with some unconventional, stylised touches helps make Beginners an enjoyably fresh and, at times, very touching treat.
Beginners is a Film programme that first aired in 2010 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
