‘Two Tickets to Greece’ – escape to the cinema while the vacay is on hold

It’s been a tough year economically for most of us, some of us having to cancel holiday plans in order to cover the basic cost of living. It’s necessary, then, to get away in mind and spirit, and holiday movies are great way to do so.

Two Tickets to Greece is a wildly entertaining female romp set on a holiday in the gorgeous Greek Isles.

It’s a fun, easy-going comedy/slash/drama with lashings of sobering truths, the film stars three fabulous actresses – Laure Calamy, Olivia Cote and Kirstin Scott Thomas – in a charming film from French writer/director Marc Fitoussin.

Recently divorced, stuck in a rut, struggling to find her mojo again, and dealing with her beloved son leaving home (phew!), Blandine’s life is much like her name, bland. Through a twist of circumstances, her childhood former best friend, Magalie (Calamy at her comic best) suddenly resurfaces as they tentatively reunite, creating a chain of events that prompts Blandine to act impulsively, totally unsettled at facing the need for change.

Despite being opposite in every way, the two take a trip to the stunning Greek isles, to the island of Amorgos (trainspotter note: this is where the French classic Luc Besson’s The Big Blue was filmed), somewhat reluctantly fulfilling a teenage pledge. The journey is filled with unexpected detours, rekindling their lost friendship and eventually Blandine’s verve for life. Magalie’s very different, laissez-fair attitude to life conflicts Blandine’s conservative, ordered approach, pushing her beyond frustration, and stoking much of the film’s laughter.

Enter the free-loving hippy Bijou (Kristen Scott Thomas) in an admirable role, entirely breaking her upper British stereotype, holed up in a gorgeous seaside abode, enjoying life to the fullest with her artist doting Greek lover Dimitris. Scott delivers a complex compassionate character adding depth to the storyline, entwining the three into a perfect friendship trio.

Together and through an enchanting adventure, the three women develop a female camaraderie that each one denyingly needs to fulfil their soul-searching desire for love and friendship.

Annette McCubbin

‘Two Tickets’ to Greece opens on December 26 at Palace and Luna Cinemas.