In Lance Hammer's powerful comeback film, Queen at Sea, audiences are confronted with an inexpressibly painful and deeply moving story that delves into the complexities of dementia, caregiving, and intimate relationships. Driven by exceptional late-career performances from Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall, this drama offers a startling portrait of love and moral ambiguity, set against the gloomy backdrop of a wintry London.
A Tragic Narrative of Dementia and Intimacy
Queen at Sea centers on the devastating impact of dementia on an elderly couple, Leslie, portrayed by Anna Calder-Marshall, and her husband Martin, played by Tom Courtenay. The film explores the endgame of care, highlighting the difficult decisions that arise when the spouse-carer becomes as vulnerable as the patient. It raises poignant questions about who has the right to make these decisions and examines the nature of intimacy between the two, especially as it becomes a contentious issue for their grownup children.
Juliette Binoche stars as Amanda, a recently divorced academic who takes a sabbatical with her teenage daughter, Sara, to be closer to her mother, Leslie. One morning, Amanda discovers Martin and Leslie engaged in sexual activity, leading to a furious accusation of rape against Martin. This moment ignites a series of events that challenge perceptions of consent, love, and responsibility in the context of dementia.
Moral Dilemmas and Emotional Turmoil
The film navigates through agonizingly ambiguous situations, each representing a point of no return. Martin defends his actions by citing internet research that suggests marital sex can comfort dementia patients, much like other care provided without explicit consent, such as food and medical attention. He argues that this intimacy is vital for both his wife's well-being and his own emotional survival, as it keeps their love alive.
Amanda's decision to involve the police sets off a chain of events she quickly regrets, including Martin being barred from seeing Leslie, who becomes terrified and confused by the rape examination. The only resolution seems to be placing Leslie in a care home, a move Martin fiercely resists, viewing it as a malicious attempt to force their separation and tarnish his character.
Comparisons and Critical Acclaim
Lance Hammer, the indie US filmmaker behind the 2008 Sundance winner Ballast, makes an almighty comeback with Queen at Sea. This lacerating movie draws comparisons to Michael Haneke's Amour and Gaspar Noé's Vortex, known for their unflinching explorations of love and mortality. The film concludes with a heartbreakingly ironic and enigmatic final sequence that refuses traditional closure, instead presenting a diptych of love that contrasts intimacy across generations.
At its core, Queen at Sea features a pivotal four-way conversation involving a social worker, Amanda, Martin, and Leslie. In this scene, Martin delivers a tearful, passionate declaration of love for his wife, virtually reaffirming their vows, which Leslie poignantly returns. This moment forces viewers to question whether dementia invalidates such affirmations, adding layers of tragic candor to the narrative.
Themes of Sexuality and Abuse in Later Life
The film bravely addresses unmentionable truths about older people's sexuality and the propensity for abuse, without offering easy solutions. Each ordeal faced by the characters functions as part of the overall situation, which can only be managed to a certain extent. Queen at Sea challenges audiences to consider if Amanda mishandled the situation, if Martin is misunderstood or sinister, and if care homes are inherently negative environments.
With its wintry setting and porridge-grey cloud cover, the film's atmosphere mirrors the emotional heaviness of its themes. Queen at Sea screened at the Berlin Film Festival, garnering attention for its raw and essential moral questioning. It stands as a testament to the fine performances of its cast and Hammer's directorial vision, making it an unbearable yet necessary watch for those interested in drama, mental health, and the human condition.
