Many years ago, I had a colleague recommend a book that I just had to read. It was The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes. I don’t typically pick up romance novels or love stories, but this one I just couldn’t put down. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking story that has now been turned into a movie by Netflix.
Alternating between the past the present, the movie follows Ellie Haworth (played by Felicity Jones), a London journalist who stumbles upon secret love letters from 1965. She becomes determined to learn the fate of the star-crossed lovers from the letters. As she slowly unearths more letters, we learn of the story behind them. Jennifer Stirling (played by Shailene Woodley) is in a stifling, love-free marriage of convenience with wealthy industrialist, Laurance (played by Joe Alwyn).
Journalist Anthony O’Hare (played by Callum Turner) has been assigned to profile him for a newspaper, and subsequently finds himself spending more and more time with Jennifer. With the help of archivist Rory (played by Nabhaan Rizwan), Ellie tracks down more letters, and eventually the fates of Jennifer and Anthony.
When a beloved book gets turned into a movie, there’s usually a large chance that it won’t live up to your expectations. This movie, although a condensed version of the book, was well cast, and well done. Like the book, it resulted in tears flowing by the end. While the film revolves around a love affair and the mysteries as to how it turned out, The Last Letter From Your Lover is about more than just love. It’s about living a life true to yourself, taking chances, and going after what you want. I’m sure that many people will be able to relate.
Watch the trailer here and log in to Netflix to watch it now!
