16^th July 2013

How long has it been since you received a postal letter? This film revolves around the endangered species known as the personal handwritten letter. In an age when short bursts dominate our increasingly social media oriented world, this film provides a ‘time out' for reflection and consideration.
Aley Underwood plays Maggie Fuller, a generally good, but pretty normal teenager and aspiring singer raised by her single-parent mother who has her own struggles. Maggie is trying to find a purpose in her life as she considers the world of music, her relationships, health issues, ageing, and many simply normal events. She is an unusual heroine, but certainly fits the role as she seeks to help others.
Bernie Diamond is ‘The Letter Writer' Sam, an elderly man who sends letters of encouragement and affirmation by post, choosing names from the telephone book. He also hand delivers letters to people he meets in his day to day walks or visits.
After receiving a letter, Maggie is so intrigued she tracks Bernie down and begins a journey of friendship and contact with others she would never have known, unless someone had taken the opportunity to encourage her (and the way this comes about is taken as God-provided).
There are some poignant elements to this film, and certainly those involved with Kairos and Emmaus will know the power of receiving an actual letter and words of encouragement, as opposed to hearing words of abuse or degradation.

In their initial exchange upon meeting, Sam asks Maggie:
Sam Worthingtom: Didn't you like your letter?
Maggie Fuller: Yeah, but you don't even know me.
Sam Worthingtom: If I'm the one person that has something nice to say about you, I know you better than anyone else.

A central theme to the story is ‘finding your role in life'. What are you meant to do on this earth? Sam puts it this way "Within every human being there is a God given ability that if you find it and nurture it you'll be able to bless the lives of others."
This is a gentle and intriguing film. I believe that it could be a film that will resonate with grandparents and parents - perhaps a good one for grandparents and grandchildren (not too young) to view together?
Peter Bentley

Showing in the Faith on Film programme at selected Cinemas in July - August 2013: Click here