About:
- Genres:
- Drama
- Historical Fiction
- Romance
Fix: period drama, romance, adaptation, book clubs, MATTHEW GOODE, Glen Powell
Platforms: Netflix
Netflix Summary:
A London writer bonds with the colorful residents of Guernsey as she learns about the book club they formed during the WWII German occupation.
FYA Summary:
Orphaned writer, Juliet, clearly suffering from PTSD from The Blitz, begins a correspondence with a man about his book club on the tiny English channel island of Guernsey. Needing an escape from her super intense fiancé and seeking a subject for her London Times article, she goes to Guernsey to meet the book club. She falls in love with the charming characters and becomes immersed in the mystery of their missing member.
Familiar Faces:
Lily James as Juliet Ashton
You may know Lily from nearly every movie released in the last few years. Here, she plays esteemed writer Juliet, who has impeccable taste in the men she surrounds herself with.
Michiel Huisman as Dawsey Adams
Michiel has been in Orphan Black and Game of Thrones. As Dawsey, he strikes up a lovely correspondence with Julia that lures her across the English channel. Helloooo, hot single dad reader.
Matthew Goode as Sidney Stark
I’m certain that I have mentioned my complete and utter devotion to Matthew Goode on this site, and to anyone who will listen. And he remains dreamier than any man has a right to be, even in a small part as Juliet’s editor and best friend.
Glen Powell as Mark Reynolds
FYA has sung the praises of Glen Powell before. He’s the next big thing (seriously) and I adore him. Mark Reynolds is maybe a little bit of a douchebag. But damn if he isn’t just so enjoyable while doing it.
Jessica Brown Findlay as Elizabeth McKenna
Lady Sybil! I’m so relieved to see you alive. She plays Elizabeth, the woman responsible for bringing the book club together, but who’s now mysteriously absent from their island.
Penelope Wilton as Amelia Maugery
Penelope was also on Downton Abbey, as Isobel Crawley. Funny enough, here she plays Elizabeth’s mother.
Katherine Parkinson as Isola Pribby
Katherine has been in a ton of British television that I’ve never seen. She’s so endearing as the fortune telling Isola that I just want to adopt her as my new best friend.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Cozy Like a Fisherman’s Sweater
This movie is made for the fall and winter seasons. It’s the perfect option for a rainy day in, under a blanket, or a winter girls’ night with a roaring fire and a bottle of wine. Admire the amazing scenery, the windswept hills, the sensitive man candy, and the 1940’s fashion porn, filled with smart suits, and all the tweeds and sweaters. P.S. I’m definitely going to need a beret for fall, in lieu of a trip to the Channel Islands.
Can we talk about this dress?!
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Moonshine
I needed a drink to get through the awkwardness of first meetings, and the general unease of Juliet being engaged to the wrong man (but girl, send him this way). But based on this movie, the people in Guernsey drink two things and two things only: tea or bootleg gin. Although, if homemade gin was my only option, I think even I would have to opt for tea. But feel free to share your best gin cocktail recipe in the comments!
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Goode
Man, I really do love Matthew Goode. I mean, doesn’t he just look and sound intellectual and sensitive, and like he probably smells good? And I love Glen Powell. Those dimples, omg. I love how this movie explores the theme of finding your home in this world. Lily James is so sympathetic and relatable as the independent and intrepid Juliet, who knows there’s something missing from her life. (And it’s not actually a man!) I love the theme of book clubs bringing people together, and creating families of choice. I didn’t read the book this movie is based on, but I don’t see how it could have been more perfectly adapted.
Netflix has been doing a really stellar job lately of producing and acquiring programming that feels like it was made just for me. But since I’m so generous, I’m going to share this one with you. I just know you’ll love it, too!
