I saw this today, right after A Walk in the Woods.  Both films are being released by Broad Green Pictures, a newer company with which I have not been familiar.  There are many similarities between the two movies, and both are quite enjoyable.

Isabel Coixet’s tale mixes drama and comedy, as an NYC literary critic (Patricia Clarkson) is dumped by her husband for a younger woman, and must adjust to single life — and the necessity of learning to drive. She takes driving lessons from a Sikh Indian (Ben Kingsley) and slowly comes to grips with her newfound freedom.  He, on the other hand, must adjust to marriage to a woman he has never known.

The central relationship between Clarkson and Kingsley is beautifully handled, especially as the story crests to its dramatic climax.  But it is funny, too, and unexpectedly wise.  Kingsley’s character is probably the finest driving instructor ever; all the bad drivers I’ve ever been subjected to should be forced to watch this movie and take notes.  Copiously.

Like A Walk in the Woods there isn’t a preponderance of plotting, but that’s okay.  Coixet has a real feel for her characters and their life situations, and they convey quite authentically to the audience.  Ben Kingsley proves once again how adept he is as an actor, and Clarkson has her best role in quite some time.  It’s a good film that everyone should be able to enjoy.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  5 September 2015.