Looking for a genuine masterpiece to discover (or rediscover) tonight on Netflix? This period drama by James Ivory, starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, is exactly the film you need. Trust us, this is not just another nostalgic throwback — it's must-see cinema!
A Masterclass in Restraint: the story of Mr. Stevens
Mr. Stevens, the ever-devoted butler, has dedicated his entire life to serving his master, Lord Darlington, owner of a grand English estate. With Lord Darlington's death in the late 1950s, Stevens requests a leave from his new boss — a wealthy American businessman, completely unaccustomed to British traditions.
Behind the wheel of the Daimler limousine loaned by his new employer, Stevens reflects on a lifetime of sacrifices made in service, on the scandal that ultimately engulfed Lord Darlington, and above all on Miss Kenton, the housekeeper who stood by his side throughout the best years of his career. In fact, it's to visit Miss Kenton that Stevens sets out on his journey.
Let’s Not Beat Around The Bush: an undisputed masterpiece
Let's get straight to the point: “The Remains of the Day” is a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by the famous filmmaker James Ivory (also known for classics like “Howards End” and “A Room with a View”), this period drama is brimming with subtlety and nuance, painting a complex and tragic portrait of a man who put his work above all else, constantly ignoring his own values, feelings, and desires.
The film is powered by an absolutely masterful performance from Anthony Hopkins (in one of his greatest roles), and an outstanding Emma Thompson. Though it's rarely mentioned in watercooler conversations today, it more than deserves its average audience score of 4 out of 5 stars. Not only that — it was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, but, alas, didn’t end up taking home a single trophy.
Elegance in Silence
A true treasure of elegance and finesse, “The Remains of the Day” relies almost entirely on what goes unsaid: glances, silences, and the stillness of its characters, who are often mute but always powerfully expressive to the audience. It’s a gem that rewards anyone who appreciates cinema's quieter, more thoughtful moments.
Enduring admiration from cinema lovers
Among the film's most passionate admirers is Alexandre Astier, the creator of the popular French series “Kaamelott”. In fact, Astier never misses a chance to share his admiration for James Ivory's work.
“The Remains of the Day, it's true, is one of my favorite films. It's one of those movies I watch a lot — I always watch at least part of it every year, with a particular fondness for Richard Robbins' music,”
he said a few years ago on Cinetek.
“[In] The Remains of the Day, there’s modesty and a refusal to go for anything that might simply flatter me as a viewer. There's no marketing in this; there's trust. [James Ivory] trusts me to witness what he’s created because he himself found it beautiful.”
If you’ve never seen this movie and you’re looking to spend a memorable evening in front of the screen tonight on Netflix, you now know exactly what to do.
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