Greetings again from the darkness. Thoreau famously wrote, “The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation.” That quote may overstate the being of the staff at The Grand, a 100-year-old hotel that once provided service for royalty, but now the seaside inn is crumbling at the seams and desperate for guests. The feature film directorial debut from writer-director Harry Sherriff and co-written by Laurence Tratalos is quite a pleasant surprise.
Leonard (Samuel Blenkin, “Black Mirror”) is the young man who covers the front desk and makes the rounds. He has a bit of a Bud Cort vibe to him … friendly enough, yet just a bit off. Leonard spends each morning gazing out the window as Elle (Emily Carey, young Diane in WONDER WOMAN, 2017) strolls from the bus stop to her station in the hotel’s restaurant. Elle is bright-eyed and cheerful, and shy Leonard has a quiet crush that he can’t bring himself to admit. In fact, Elle is a favorite of the guests and the staff.
Gary (Daniel Ryan, “The Bay”) is the hotel’s manager and he’s constantly worried about the hotel’s poor reviews and limited guests. He fears for the future – both his and the hotel’s. One morning, Elle doesn’t show for her shift. Gary assumes she has quit, while Leonard fears for the worst. Tragically, Leonard is correct, and the film’s tone shifts from the daily mundane life of the staff to the ongoing grief and guilt and confusion. Leonard is hit especially hard as his friend – and the one beacon of light in his life – is missing.
It’s fascinating to watch each of the staff have their moment. Pam (Christine Bottomley, “Domina”) replays her drive home and wonders if she could have helped. Maintenance man Khalid (Sunil Patel) and housekeeper Vivian (Rosalind Adler) also miss Elle’s smiling face. Leonard even pays an awkward visit to Elle’s father (Oliver Ryan) as an attempt to make sense of what’s happened. What makes the film unique is the dashes of humor blended with grief and regret. Cinematographer Bart Bazaz works wonders with the characters and the setting in the old building. It’s a terrific little film that explores grief in a different way, and reminds us to treasure those who bring light and hope into our lives.
Screening at the Dallas International Film Festival on April 24 and April 26, 2026
Movie Reviews from the Dark 