Blithe Spirit

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 25, 2020 (United Kingdom)
February 19, 2021 (United States)

Genre
Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Cast & Crew

• Dan Stevens as Charles Condomine
• Isla Fisher as Ruth Condomine
• Leslie Mann as Elvira Condomine
• Judi Dench as Madame Arcati
• Emilia Fox as Violet Bradman
• Julian Rhind-Tutt as Dr. George Bradman
• Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Edith

Director
Edward Hall

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Downton Abbey (TV series)
• MI-5 (TV series)

Producer

• Hilary Bevan Jones
• Meg Leonard
• Nick Moorcroft
• James Spring

Writer

• Piers Ashworth
• Meg Leonard
• Nick Moorcroft (based on the play by Noël Coward)

Budget
Estimated $6 million

Production Company

• StudioCanal
• Protagonist Pictures
• Fred Films

Running Time
99 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Sexual references
• Thematic elements involving the supernatural

Movie Story
“Blithe Spirit” is a comedic fantasy that revolves around the story of Charles Condomine (Dan Stevens), a successful crime novelist who is struggling with writer’s block while attempting to adapt one of his books into a screenplay. In a desperate attempt to find inspiration, Charles invites an eccentric medium, Madame Arcati (Judi Dench), to his home to conduct a séance. However, the séance takes a turn for the worse when Madame Arcati inadvertently summons the spirit of Charles’s first wife, Elvira (Leslie Mann), who has been dead for seven years.

Elvira’s unexpected return from the afterlife creates chaos in Charles’s life, especially with his current wife, Ruth (Isla Fisher), who is less than thrilled by the presence of her husband’s deceased ex-wife. As Elvira schemes to disrupt Charles’s new marriage and reclaim him for herself, comedic situations arise, filled with jealousy, misunderstandings, and supernatural antics.

The film is a modern adaptation of Noël Coward’s classic 1941 play of the same name, blending elements of romance and fantasy with light-hearted comedy. The story explores themes of love, jealousy, and the complications that arise when the past refuses to stay buried.

Special Effects
“Blithe Spirit” features whimsical special effects that highlight the film’s supernatural elements. These effects are used primarily to depict the ghostly presence of Elvira, with scenes involving objects moving on their own, spectral appearances, and other ghostly phenomena. The visual effects are playful and in line with the film’s comedic tone, adding to the overall charm and fantasy of the story.

Box Office Performance
“Blithe Spirit” had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was simultaneously available on streaming platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the performances and humor, while others felt that the adaptation lacked the spark of the original play. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film found an audience among fans of light-hearted comedies and period pieces.

Filming Locations

• Surrey, England, UK
• London, England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “Death does have a way of making one feel terribly insignificant.” – Elvira Condomine
• “If you’re going to haunt me, at least have the decency to be entertaining.” – Charles Condomine
• “The afterlife isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” – Elvira Condomine

Behind-the-Scenes
“Blithe Spirit” is based on the play by Noël Coward, which has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen. For this version, the filmmakers aimed to bring a modern sensibility to the classic story while retaining its period charm. The cast, including Judi Dench, Dan Stevens, and Leslie Mann, brought a mix of British and American comedic styles to the film, creating a lively and spirited dynamic. The production design and costume work were particularly praised for their attention to the era’s detail and style.

Awards
The film did not receive major awards but was noted for its strong ensemble cast and production design in various reviews.

Final Verdict
“Blithe Spirit” is an entertaining and whimsical adaptation of a classic play, offering a light-hearted romp through the world of the supernatural. While it may not fully capture the brilliance of Noël Coward’s original work, it provides a fun and visually appealing escape, particularly for fans of period comedies. The film’s charm lies in its playful performances and the delightful chaos that ensues when the living and the dead collide.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10