The Merry Gentleman (2009)

The plot could have very easily felt convoluted or, at the very least, saccharine. In a nutshell: the paths of a depressed hit man and a young wife, on her own since leaving her abusive husband, cross during the Christmas season. Instead of overplaying anything, this was quiet and lovely.

This just hit the spot for me. Michael Keaton does a beautiful job in the title role and behind the camera for the first time. I also have a soft spot for Kelly MacDonald and her gorgeous Scottish accent. Everything gels here.

Loved it.

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