23 Walks is one of those movies that does exactly what it says on the tin; nothing more, nothing less – but that’s okay as Paul Morrison’s latest is an absolutely lovely, warm cuddle of a movie, faultless for the audience it aims for, but a film that most will welcome into their lives for a perfect afternoon’s viewing.
Johns is Dave, a sixty-something retired nurse living in North London who spends his days walking his trusty dog Tilly in the fields near Hampstead Heath. It is here where he meets soon-to-be-divorced Fern (Steadman), a fellow canine lover and Madame to Yorkshire terrier Henry, a more boisterous pooch who has a run in with Tilly in a back alley one afternoon. The meeting prompts a rather awkward, slightly heated encounter between the two owners, but soon the two bond, and the first of the twenty-three walks take place. The following twenty two strolls over the same ground sees the development of a blossoming romance between the two, and the rollercoaster course it takes as more and more of each others former lives are revealed, and seemingly more obstacles are put in the way of them living happily ever after.
Following a release when cinemas were briefly opened back in September, 23 Walks finds its natural home on the home formats. Clearly targeted at a certain age-range, the film is perfectly warm and fluffy, just like the two little doggies that feature throughout. The film shares some themes from Johns’ break-out, the Cannes Palme d’Or-winning I, Daniel Blake, but the social drama aspect of the narrative is kept to a minimum, Morrison keen to focus most of the attention on the relationship forming between the two central characters. Steadman is also excellent as Fern, even though the character comes across as a little annoying early on. However, we, the audience, want them to succeed, and the best to come to them.
The film has themes of loneliness, which only add to its resonance during a time when people are apart during this terrible pandemic, though it is an enjoyable, harmless watch. It does feel a little long, particularly as it only runs for 100 minutes, but most should find some empathy in the themes that are presented due to the nature of Williams’ heart-warming screenplay, and excellent staging. Steadman and particularly Johns give very natural performances that draw you from the outset also. As I said, you know what to expect, but as long as you go with it you will be rewarded.
23 Walks is released on DVD & Digital from Monday 25th January.
23 Walks
Summary
The film delivers what you might expect, but the warming performances will ensure that one is rewarded if willing to go on the journey.
