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Angela Lansbury in an AIDS drama? The genre queen goes devastatingly human.
TMDB
59
Rotten Tomatoes
54
Audience Score
54
Watch(US)

The Blackwater Lightship (2004)

quiet devastationIrish melancholygenerational warfare

Overview

Drama

A man in the final stages of AIDS is cared for by his sister and mother and grandmother.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
family relationshipsaidsfatal disease

Standout Aspects

Acting

Lansbury's final dramatic role—no Miss Marple here.

Writing

Colm Tóibín adaptation: every silence means something.

Best for:Solo: Cry ugly alone with tea and regrets.·Date Night: Only if you're testing relationship durability.
Heads up:Emotional: Terminal illness depicted with unflinching intimacy.
John Erman

Director

John Erman

ReleasedFeb 4, 2004
Runtime1h 38m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow
Intensitymedium
Tonedark
Feelheavy
Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
Gillham Road Productions

Top Cast

Dianne Wiest

Dianne Wiest

Lily

Gina McKee

Gina McKee

Helen

Keith McErlean

Keith McErlean

Declan

Sam Robards

Sam Robards

Paul

Brían F. O'Byrne

Brían F. O'Byrne

Larry

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury

Dora

Frank McCusker

Frank McCusker

Harry

Ruth McCabe

Ruth McCabe

Dr. Louise

Maria McDermottroe

Maria McDermottroe

Madge Kehoe

Dearbhla Molloy

Dearbhla Molloy

Essie Kehoe

Barry Cassin

Barry Cassin

Fr. Griffin

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

This was Angela Lansbury's final dramatic film role before returning to stage and occasional voice work.

Insight

The Blackwater Lightship itself—a real lighthouse off Wexford—serves as metaphor for distant, failing guidance in the novel and film.

Gallery

Reviews

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