Watch Fortune's Smile

Fortune's Smile is a heartfelt indie film that follows the lives of four mismatched individuals in London during the summer of 2011. The story revolves around the theme of luck and fate, particularly how unpredictable life can be. The main character, 23-year-old Jade Davidson, is a struggling actress who's fiercely independent and always on the go. She's full of energy and always optimistic, despite her current job as a struggling waitress. Laura Freeman plays Jade's best friend, Emily, who works at a call center and is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Simon. Emily is the more pragmatic and grounded of the two, often encouraging Jade to slow down and think more carefully about her decisions.

As the story unfolds, we're introduced to a few more key players. Sadie Frost portrays the intriguing yet enigmatic Mrs. T, who owns the antique store where Jade works on weekends. Mrs. T is a mysterious character who is often seen staring off into space, deep in thought, and speaks in vague riddles. Joel Fry stars as David, a friendly but bumbling delivery driver who occasionally flirts with Jade and desperately wants to win her heart.

The film takes place during an unforeseen heatwave that hits the city, bringing all the characters together in interesting ways. One of the main plotlines sees Jade suffering from 'actors' block', her inability to nail her lines during auditions. This directly affects her relationship with Emily, who is struggling to remain supportive of her friend while trying to balance her own relationships. Through some cleverly written scenes, we gradually watch as the characters' lives slowly collide and intertwine in unexpected ways, with each person somehow affecting the others' fortunes.

The cinematography is wonderful, making great use of London's rich and dynamic landscape. We're treated to a plethora of gorgeous shots of the city that lend a palpable sense of atmosphere to the film. This is complemented by an evocative score that heightens the emotional resonance of each scene.

The themes of fortune and despair are central to the story, with each character struggling in their own way to find meaning and happiness in their lives. The film does an excellent job of balancing the dramatic moments with humor, wit, and a few unexpected twists. The dialogue is naturalistic and engaging, with some genuinely touching moments.

The standout performances come from Jade Davidson, who brings a charming vulnerability to her role, and Sadie Frost, who injects a sense of unpredictability and intrigue with her portrayal of Mrs. T. Laura Freeman and Joel Fry also do admirable work, with Freeman in particular excelling in her depiction of a friend who is both supportive and struggling with her own issues.

One of the strongest aspects of Fortune's Smile is the way in which it portrays the randomness and unpredictability of life. Rather than offering easy solutions or pat answers, the film embraces the messiness and complexity of the human experience. It's a film that will leave you with a sense that fortune is often fickle, but that there's always a smile waiting just around the corner.

In conclusion, Fortune's Smile is a delightful, life-affirming film that showcases the talents of a talented cast and crew. It's a film that touches on universal themes while remaining uniquely personal and intimate. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a uplifting, thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Fortune's Smile is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 16 minutes.