Several stories set to the four seasons is where Mike Leigh went with Another Year -- a hard follow up act to follow in the eyes of those who can't think before the cheery go lucky portrait with Sally Hawkins. I kept thinking of Bergman's later films -- and was comforted like what a quilt would do by the on-screen couple of Ruth Sheen and Jim Broadbent: just a healthy, super supportive couple growing old together with a mutual respect for one another and those around them.
The characters in Mike Leigh's films linger on several hours after viewing - its a testament to a directing style that brings out the best of the actor and that never gets old.
She got her start as a secondary player in All or Nothing (2002) and followed Marsan in Vera Drake, but in 2008, Leigh allowed Sally Hawkins to flourish in a role that showed her comedic and romantic muscles.
Following up with his supporting role in Leigh's Vera Drake, Eddie Marsan brings to the screen an honest portrayal of a possessive, isolated and deeply hurt man which he simply didn't get enough cred for.