An independent film from writer-director Stanley Roubaix, Teddy and the Mountain is a quiet and amusing rom-com almost entirely cast from actors over 50.
Teddy (David Mason) is an elderly widower. After he accidentally donates a handwritten diary to the charity shop, will the act bring him friendship and love?
Roubaix offers a refreshing story about grief, love and life from an older perpective, in giving Teddy life-limiting news he faces head-on the subjects of age and mortality.
Rose (Linda Dootson) and Jean (Charlotte Claypole) are friends negotiating the single dating scene while staying active in the walking group. Rose’s cautious connection with Teddy is rather sweet, if contrived.
Sheridan Sinclair offers a very broad comic performance as group leader Wayne, but Claypole’s reactions offer a strong supporting foil to Dootson’s more serious characterisation.
Teddy and the Mountain has more of a feel of a TV special than a feature film, with an end of term feel. The story of the diary is hard to believe, but the bucket list idea is one we can all get behind.
There are a couple of enjoyable supporting performances from Mark Aldrich as Dave, Teddy’s pal, and Rowland D Hill as the dull dater, Kevin.
Produced by A Up! Films and filmed in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, Teddy and the Mountain falls in the ‘feel-good’ camp. It’s never too late to follow your dreams, Roubaix’s story tells us.
I found Mason’s performance a little one-note, lacking a bit of warmth, but that could be explained in Teddy’s shyness and military background.
Teddy and the Mountain is certainly watchable and offers some lovely views of the great outdoors. There are no real plot surprises, but I had a chuckle now and then.
Good for fans of light comedy like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Finding Your Feet, or The Great Escaper.
Teddy and the Mountain is currently available on Prime Video and other streaming services.