This feels like another really strong film from Mike Leigh, though I'd rank it a bit lower than his acknowledged best work, *Secrets and Lies*. As is typical with Leigh’s films, he assembled an excellent group of actors, which is fortunate because Timothy Spall could easily have overshadowed a weaker supporting cast; he’s at his finest when surrounded by strong performances. The film often presents a somber atmosphere. The key to enjoying it is letting yourself become invested in the characters and being willing to wait for things to unfold. It brought to mind the earliest episodes of *Coronation Street*: no flashy elements, no superficiality, just an honest portrayal of everyday life. If you’ve already seen this movie, you know what happens, so I suggest skipping reviews and simply watching it yourself. Knowing too much beforehand could diminish its effect. Similar to *Secrets and Lies*, there's a powerful emotional climax here, but the film thoroughly justifies it through what comes before. Definitely don’t miss out on this one.

Source on TMDB