Among the heavy dramatic slate of Toronto International Film Festival are what looks to be relatively light, pleasant features and one that certainly falls into this category is Song For Marion. Coming from the UK, Paul Andrew Williams‘ film features a strong cast, including Terence Stamp, Vanessa Redgrave, Gemma Arterton and Christopher Eccleston as they navigate the story of  a senior citizen choir group. While it looks to careen a bit overboard on the sentimental side for my own tastes, if the festival reaction is strong it may be one to check out. See the first trailer below thanks to HeyUGuys.

Synopsis:

A wonderfully, heart-warming story of a loving marriage between grumpy pensioner Arthur (Terence Stamp) and the ever-cheerful Marion (Vanessa Redgrave).

Cantankerous but doting husband Arthur does not share his wife Marion’s passion for performing. While she is happy to sing her heart out with the unconventional local choir, Arthur would prefer to hide himself away and complain about how embarrassing it all is.

But when heartbreak strikes, Arthur is forced to re-think his outlook on life. With the steady perseverance of choir director Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton), Arthur begins to find a way to come out of his shell and in the process forms a touching relationship with Elizabeth as well as a desire to build bridges with his estranged son James (Christopher Eccleston).

Inspiring, moving and laugh out loud funny, SONG FOR MARION is written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton).

Song For Marion will premiere at TIFF and has no US distribution yet.