Dad’s new romance leaves daughter fuming

Howard (James Cosmo) enjoys the seaside scenery with housekeeper Annie (Brid Brennan) in My Sailor, My Love. (Photos courtesy of Music Box Films)

Senior citizens need love, too, as ABC hopes to prove with its upcoming debut of The Golden Bachelor. The same holds true across the pond, as Finnish director Klaus Haro demonstrates with his Ireland-set tale My Sailor, My Love.

The TV series, of course, is an extension of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, “reality” shows that specialize in steamy encounters and dramatic histrionics. Don’t expect much of the former in Haro’s tale, but there are plenty of the latter. The only difference is, they don’t emanate from rejected suitors but from a daughter who’s unhappy about her father’s sudden interest in romance.

The daughter is Grace (Catherine Walker), a healthcare worker who spends most of her waking hours worrying about her aging dad, a retired sea captain named Howard (James Cosmos). When we first meet her, the situation has not only made her miserable, but it’s left her husband feeling so neglected that her marriage may be in jeopardy.

Realizing she can’t carry the burden of caring for Howard by herself, Grace hires a kindhearted widow named Annie (Brid Brennan) to serve as his parttime housekeeper. Howard, who’s accustomed to living on his own in his seaside home, soon sends Annie away, but a haphazard discovery convinces him he made a mistake. He then gathers a bouquet of flowers, starts up the car that’s been gathering dust in his garage and seeks her out.

Cue the heartfelt apology, courtesy of screenwriters Jimmy Karlsson and Kirsi Vikman. Also cue the gushing music, courtesy of composer Michelino Bisceglia. Set it all against gorgeous images of the Irish coastline, courtesy of cinematographer Robert Nordstrom.

In other words, love ensues, even though one wouldn’t expect a gruff hermit like Howard to jump into it so eagerly. But he does, resulting in a December-December romance that would be touching if it didn’t feel a bit contrived.

Then, just when we think the film is setting Howard and Annie up for happiness, Grace drops by with a sour attitude that looks a lot like jealousy. Rather than being grateful to Annie for making her father happy and taking care of his needs, she seems to resent her presence. Meanwhile, Howard displays a coldness toward his daughter that’s just as surprising, given the sacrifices she’s long made on his behalf.

What’s going on? Clues are doled out stingily over the course of the film, but an “aha” moment never arrives. The result is that despite assured performances by the major players, we don’t quite understand Grace and Howard’s motivations, and even Annie sometimes acts in a puzzling way.

With its combination of senior romance and family dysfunction, My Sailor, My Love is a tricky balancing act. Haro and company make a valiant effort, creating a handsome and sometimes appealing film in the process, but they don’t quite pull it off.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

My Sailor, My Love (no MPAA rating) opens Sept. 22 in select theaters and will be available through VOD outlets beginning Oct. 24.