The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

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2:34

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

2024

1h 48m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY tells a story of quiet heroism and of rediscovery. The otherwise ordinary Harold Fry captivates a nation when he leaves behind routine and regret and sets out on a 450-mile walk of hope to reach his dying friend. His journey is a celebration of life that helps us to realize that failure and loss -- just as much as success and joy -- can shape us for good. This earnest portrayal of universal love is led by Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent and brought to life by Director Hettie Macdonald (NORMAL PEOPLE) against the outstanding beauty of the English countryside.

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Critics Consensus

If The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry follows a well-worn path, having Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton as guides makes it difficult to complain.

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

06/14/2023

2/5

A feelgood fable as twee as its title.

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David Stratton

The Australian

06/09/2023

2.5/5

Well-regarded books don't always make a smooth transition to the screen.

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Larushka Ivan-Zadeh

Metro Newspaper (UK)

05/05/2023

4/5

It's a non-religious pilgrim story about the power of hope and faith. A movie that celebrates everyday joys and human connection. The perfect pick-me-up tonic for tough times.

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Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

01/09/2025

5/5

Story of an elderly man walking to heal a friend and himself.

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Francesca Steele

iNews.co.uk

12/11/2024

4/5

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton bring a quiet power to this moving tale.

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Nora Lee Mandel

Maven's Nest

09/27/2024

7/10

Dawns, sunsets, and horizons of the lovely English countryside and distinctive towns frame Harold Fry’s moving experience, beautiful looking and touching, without being sentimental or mawkish. Broadbent is heartbreaking and heartwarming.

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Shirley S

@RT12631188 Mar 12

I'd listened to the audiobook so was interested to see the film and wasn't disappointed. I've down rated it half a star because of the predictable and compulsory DEI. I expected the metropolitan critics to be sniffy about it, and predictably, they are, seemingly unable to see anything but the urban view but imo, this film's is fairly deep, revealing the effects of others, of what we do or say, or don't do or say, without us even realising it. The oddest effect it has on me was, on seeing Maureen's immaculate home, I ceased to feel guilty about my own home's chaotic mess, because Maureen home just looked - sterile, a show piece not a home.

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Noah H

@Noah85 Jan 11

It was dark but also very touching. What a journey, Harold Fry.

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G S T

@gtodd Jan 4

I don’t expect miracles for entertainment. With that said, as a father of a son and a long distance bicycle tourer, I was extremely emotional watching the film. Deeply moved!

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Bella B.

@Booploops Jan 3

Beautiful heartwarming movie

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Alain E

@AlainE Jan 2

A remarkable road movie under the threat of annihilation. It reminded me of David Lynch’s The Straight Story. An old man goes on a pilgrimage to save predominantly himself.

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Margot 0

@MTrev Jan 2

I always enjoy watching indie movies. This movie was moving but I have a few issues that I had a problem with. The main one being that the scene when he FINALLY gets to Queenie was so unclimactic! Another was that in all the flashbacks of the son it didn’t seem like they ever tried to get him medical treatment/rehab.

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Hettie MacDonald

Director

Jim Broadbent

Harold Fry

Penelope Wilton

Maureen

Earl Cave

David Fry

Linda Bassett

Queenie

Joseph Mydell

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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY tells a story of quiet heroism and of rediscovery. The otherwise ordinary Harold Fry captivates a nation when he leaves behind routine and regret and sets out on a 450-mile walk of hope to reach his dying friend. His journey is a celebration of life that helps us to realize that failure and loss -- just as much as success and joy -- can shape us for good. This earnest portrayal of universal love is led by Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent and brought to life by Director Hettie Macdonald (NORMAL PEOPLE) against the outstanding beauty of the English countryside.

Director: Hettie MacDonald
Producer: Juliet Dowling, Kevin Loader, Marilyn Milgrom
Screenwriter: Rachel Joyce
Distributor: Quiver Distribution
Production Co: Free Range Films, Ingenious Media
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 20, 2024
Runtime: 1h 48m