Ethel & Ernest (2016)

In the bustling heart of 1928 London, a tale of love and life begins to unfold when Ernest Briggs, a dutiful milkman, captures the heart of Ethel, a steadfast housemaid. Their early morning encounters, a charming ritual of shared glances and unspoken promises, eventually bloom into a courtship, and they solidify their bond with the sanctity of marriage. From the birth of their son, Raymond, in 1934 to his evolution into an accomplished artist, Ethel and Ernest navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of family life. Their journey is marked by personal struggles, including their longing for a larger family, and the societal upheavals such as the onset of World War II, the dawning of the welfare state, and the unsettling ripple of the 1960s counter-culture. As Ethel and Ernest grapple with the changing times, their son Raymond also faces his trials. His path to a non-traditional career as an artist and a marriage fraught with mental health challenges bring moments of distress and consolation within the family. Ethel, a traditionalist at heart, is often at odds with the evolving world around her, while Ernest, a supporter of the rights of the working man, is caught in the whirlwind of societal changes. The war years bring their share of turmoil, with Raymond being evacuated to Dorset and Ernest joining the fire service, witnessing firsthand the horrors of war. But the end of hostilities also brings joy, as Raymond's return and his admission to grammar school become a beacon of hope for the family's future. As the years roll on, Ethel and Ernest's enduring love for each other and their son remains the unwavering cornerstone of their lives. Their journey is tinged with triumph and tragedy, pride and apprehension, and ultimately, the inexorable hand of time. Ethel's failing health and subsequent passing leave a void that is soon echoed by Ernest's departure. Yet, through Raymond's poignant recollection of their lives, Ethel and Ernest live on. Their story is a testament to the power of love, the resilience of family, and the enduring spirit of the ordinary people who shape the course of history. This touching narrative, a tribute by Raymond Briggs to his parents, is an homage to the simplicity of human life and the complex tapestry of emotions that bind us together.

Ethel & Ernest is an animation movie featuring Jim Broadbent and directed by Roger Mainwood.

It is possible to buy Ethel & Ernest on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.