Summer in February based on the novel by Jonathan Smith which was based on the real life goings on of the Lamorna artist colony in 1913. The colony lead by the rather brash and bold English artist A.J Munnings, played by Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia).
When Florence Carter-Wood (Emily Browning) an aspiring artist joins her brother Joey at the colony one rainy evening it is the beginning of a fatal love triangle that would haunt two men for the rest of their lives. Gilbert Evans (Dan Stevens) takes an immediate shine to Florence and his feelings only grow as the days and nights go on. It is quite obvious to all around how Gilbert feels including Florence and A.J who, although flighty is Gilberts best friend and Gilbert holds him in high regard and his feelings are reciprocated.
Unexpectedly Florence who had previously appeared to show know interest in A.J Munnings other than mild irritation and willingness to learn from his talent excepts his proposal of marriage.
From the moment she and A.J are wed, their somewhat shaky romance goes down hill, Florence expresses her wish to Gilbert that she had married him instead, igniting an affair, all set in the heart of Lamorna, Cornwall adding to the beauty and the passion of this film. The three main actors portray their characters beautifully, and Summer in February is a very well done adaptation of real life events.
The Novel Summer in February was written by Dan Stevens’ teacher who told him he would make a terrific Gilbert, the film has been in production for eight years and this haunting tale has been in the works long before the world of Downton Abbey.
The Famous painting of Florence painted by A.J hung in Gilberts house, above his fire until he died.
I’m now reading the book which is even better than the film, make Summer in February one of your summer must sees!
The Musings of Chlo 