A Late Quartet Starring Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener, et al.

When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life changing diagnosis, the group’s future suddenly hangs in the balance: suppressed emotions, competing egos, and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert, quite possibly their last, only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy.

Although the backdrop of this film is the chaacters’ passion for chamber music, the story could revolve around almost any group of passionate artists because it’s the internal conflicts that drive this superb farce.

This wonderfully acted drama has much humour within its most intense scenes purely by the brilliance in the way the main actors drive their parts. Both Christopher Walken and Philip Seymour Hoffman historically dominate any film they are in, but in this wonderful cinematic treat they work together with the other actors to raise the film to great heights.

Verdict: Whether music lover or not, this film is a masterpiece and delightfully intense. A well deserved *****

This film will be show at the Harbour Club in Portscatho on Monday 5th August. See trailer here.