VIFF: Mrs. Palfrey at The Claremont

This is a surprisingly charming film at this year's Vancouver International Film Festival. If nothing else, it's the height of this year's non-angst-ridden English language features. Mrs. Palfrey checks into the Hotel California Claremont, and she never leaves... She finds adventure and romance living in this hotel that has definitely seen better days.

Mrs. Palfrey finds inspiration in young Ludovic and he finds something of a muse in her. With a supporting cast of unique characters, this is a rather light and fun film. Best supporting actor, were I to have any influence in nominations, would go to the actor playing the bellman. There isn't really a weak player in this cast, and even the smallest part is handled with skill.

Director Dan Ireland's origins lie here in Vancouver, even having worked in the Granville 7 theatre that the film was screening during VIFF. He is credited as a co-founder of the Seattle film festival as well.

IMDB entry