Watch The Whisperers

In 1967, the film "The Whisperers" graced the screen, directed by Bryan Forbes and starring Edith Evans, Nanette Newman, and Harry Baird. Set in the bleakness of a poverty-stricken London, the story centers around an old woman named Mrs. Ross, played impeccably by Edith Evans. As we are introduced to Mrs. Ross, we see her foraging through the litter-filled streets of London, collecting scraps to make a meager living. She lives in a decrepit flat, tucked away in a corner of the city, left with nothing but her radio to keep her company. She is a woman of little words, but her eyes and expressions tell her story.

Mrs. Ross is the embodiment of loneliness and isolation, with no family or friends to speak of. This is exacerbated by her failing mental health, with frequent conversations to her dead husband and her whimsical demeanor being mistaken for madness.

As the story progresses, Mrs. Ross is faced with a series of challenges that test her will and sanity. Her estranged daughter, played by Nanette Newman, seeks to reconnect with her mother, but the decades of detachment between them have created a rift that proves impossible to bridge. Her interactions with her daughter only serve to further deepen her sense of loss and isolation.

Meanwhile, a younger man named Arthur, played by Harry Baird, enters her life. Arthur is a gentle soul, kind and compassionate, who takes a shine to Mrs. Ross and tries to convince her to come out of her shell. With him, Mrs. Ross begins to open up, and as their relationship blossoms, she begins to see a new light in her world.

Through it all, Edith Evans delivers a powerful performance that captures the pain and humanity of an elderly woman struggling to find meaning in her life. Her portrayal of Mrs. Ross is stunningly realistic, with her frailty and vulnerability on full display. Nanette Newman is also terrific as her daughter, bringing a sense of regret and longing to her character that adds depth to the story.

The film's bleak, dreary setting serves as a powerful backdrop to the story, with the impoverished streets of London creating a sense of despair and hopelessness that mirrors the emotions of its characters. The contrast between the dark, drab setting and the beauty of the human emotions on display is striking and makes for a moving viewing experience.

"The Whisperers" is a powerful and poignant film that stands the test of time. It's a portrayal of a woman struggling to find hope and meaning in a world that has left her behind, yet with enough tender moments to give us a glimpse of the beauty that still resides within her. Edith Evans delivers a career-defining performance, and the film itself is a true masterpiece of storytelling.

The Whisperers is a 1967 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.