The director, John Madden, could have set this up as a minor tragedy, but he has the wit, especially in the first half, to play it cool and droll, and he is helped no end by finely gauged performances.

Mrs. Brown is reserved yet spirited.

Dench is magnificent as Victoria, a toy-sized, black-suited, dough girl of despair, a woman slowly recovering her wits and her expectations.

A rich character study that features exceptional acting and superb cinematography. It's one of the year's best films.