Sometimes Always Never
Sometimes Always Never is a 2018 British comedy-drama film directed by Carl Hunter in his feature directorial debut and written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.[1][2] The story centers on Alan, a stylish tailor from Merseyside obsessed with the word game Scrabble, who has spent years searching for his eldest son Michael after the young man stormed out of the house following a heated family game and never returned.[1][3] Starring Bill Nighy as Alan, alongside Sam Riley as his other son Peter and Alice Lowe as Peter's wife Sue, the film blends humor and pathos to examine fractured family bonds and the role of language in communication.[3][4] The narrative unfolds as Alan grapples with ongoing grief and strained relations with Peter, whose own life has been overshadowed by the family's unresolved loss.[1] A potential lead emerges when a unidentified body is discovered, prompting Alan and Peter to confront their past, while an enigmatic online Scrabble opponent who plays in Michael's distinctive style adds intrigue to their search.[5][6] Produced on a modest budget, the film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on 12 October 2018, with a limited UK theatrical release following in 2019 and a wider international rollout in 2020.[7][2] Supporting roles are filled by notable actors including Jenny Agutter as Alan's wife Margaret and Tim McInnerny as Arthur, enhancing the ensemble's dynamic interplay.[1] Cinematography by Richard Stoddard captures the film's witty script with vivid, colorful visuals set against the backdrop of northern England, emphasizing themes of wit, humanity, and reconciliation.[8] Frank Cottrell-Boyce, known for screenplays like The Railway Man and Goodbye Christopher Robin, drew inspiration from a short story titled Triple Word Score for this project.[3][9] Upon release, Sometimes Always Never received generally positive reviews for its heartfelt storytelling and Nighy's nuanced performance, earning an 82% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes based on 93 reviews.[5] It holds a 67/100 score on Metacritic from 19 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reception, with praise for its balance of pathos and humor.[10] Roger Ebert's review described it as a "sometimes wobbly, sometimes engaging, always well-acted tale of family estrangement and reconciliation," awarding it 2.5 out of 4 stars.[11] The film also garnered audience appreciation, with a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb from over 3,500 users.[3]Overview
Plot
Alan, a quirky tailor and devoted Scrabble enthusiast, has spent years searching for his elder son Michael, who vanished after storming out during a family game over a disputed word play. This obsession has distanced Alan from his younger son Peter and the rest of the family, leaving unresolved tensions in their wake.[12][13] When authorities discover a body pulled from the sea matching Michael's description, Alan and Peter reluctantly reunite for a road trip to identify it, an event that forces them to confront their strained relationship during the journey. Though the body is not Michael's, the trip opens tentative lines of communication between father and son, with Alan temporarily staying in Peter's home alongside Peter's wife and young grandson. Throughout, Alan's online Scrabble matches with a mysterious opponent fuel his hope that it could be Michael, integrating the game's rules and wordplay as a recurring motif that propels the narrative.[12][14][13][8] As Alan pursues leads from his digital games, these encounters interweave with family interactions, gradually addressing long-buried resentments and fostering reconnection among the divided household through shared linguistic challenges and revelations.[12][14]Cast
The cast of Sometimes Always Never centers on a tight ensemble that brings depth to the film's exploration of family dynamics and linguistic obsessions. Bill Nighy leads as Alan, the fastidious tailor father whose passion for precision and words defines his character.[15] Sam Riley portrays Peter, Alan's distant younger son navigating his own life challenges as a vehicle painter.[11] Alice Lowe plays Sue, Peter's supportive wife who adds warmth to the central relationships.[16] Supporting actors enhance the ensemble with nuanced performances in key roles. Jenny Agutter appears as Margaret, a kind-hearted figure who offers perspective on companionship.[12] Tim McInnerny co-stars as Arthur, Margaret's husband and a fellow retiree whose interactions highlight themes of connection.[11] Alexei Sayle provides comic relief as Bill, the quirky neighbor.[17] Additional supporting turns include Louis Healy as Jack, Peter's teenage son, and Ella-Grace Gregoire as Rachel, contributing to the familial layers.[17]| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Nighy | Alan | Obsessive tailor and father with a fixation on language and rules.[15] |
| Sam Riley | Peter | Estranged younger son, a vehicle painter seeking independence.[11] |
| Alice Lowe | Sue | Peter's wife, offering emotional grounding.[16] |
| Jenny Agutter | Margaret | Compassionate retiree in a supportive partnership.[12] |
| Tim McInnerny | Arthur | Margaret's husband, embodying quiet relational tensions.[11] |
| Alexei Sayle | Bill | Eccentric neighbor providing levity.[17] |
| Louis Healy | Jack | Peter's son, representing the next generation.[17] |