Is Anybody There?

Synopsis

"Is Anybody There?" is a poignant drama set in the 1980s that follows the story of Edward, a shy and emotionally fragile boy who develops an unlikely friendship with Clarence, an eccentric elderly magician living in a retirement home. As Edward grapples with the challenges of coming of age and his feelings of invisibility, Clarence becomes a guiding figure, helping him confront his fears and discover the magic in everyday life. The film delicately explores themes of loneliness, mortality, and human connection, brought to life through understated performances and a nostalgic ambiance that captures the bittersweet journey of growing up and letting go.

Cast

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  Michael Caine

  Clarence

• 

  Bill Milner

  Edward

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  David Morrissey

  Dad

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  Anne-Marie Duff

  Mum

• 

  Rosemary Harris

  Elsie

• 

  Ralph Riach

  Clive

Reviews

Critical reception of "Is Anybody There?" was mixed to moderately positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 65% approval rating, reflecting generally favorable reviews, with critics praising Michael Caine's heartfelt performance and the touching depiction of intergenerational friendship. The consensus highlights how the movie, though somewhat predictable, delivers emotional depth and charm. IMDb users awarded the film a 6.6 out of 10, indicating a decent reception among general audiences who appreciated its quiet storytelling and warmth. Metacritic scores it at 54 out of 100, suggesting mixed or average reviews from critics who found the film's pacing slow and narrative somewhat uneven, though the performances provide redeeming qualities. Some reviewers noted that while the film's tone can sometimes feel overly sentimental, its gentle handling of themes like aging and childhood loneliness resonates authentically. Overall, "Is Anybody There?" is regarded as a subtle character-driven drama with memorable moments, particularly for viewers drawn to heartfelt, introspective stories centered on unlikely friendships.

See also

Pulp Fiction

Joker

Titanic

Gladiator