To Olivia

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1:29

To Olivia

2022

1h 39m

Drama

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

61%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In 1962, Roald Dahl (Hugh Bonneville) was an upcoming children's author, his wife, Patricia Neal (Keeley Hawes), was a Hollywood movie star. This unlikely pairing retreated to the English countryside to bring up their expanding young family, only for their lives to be turned upside down when their daughter Olivia contracted the measles virus and died. Her death devastated the couple, yet, their shared grief became a source of redemption and strength, Neal going on to win an Oscar and Dahl writing the book which made him a household name.

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Critics Consensus

Burdened with clichés and guilty of glossing over troublesome aspects of its fact-based story, To Olivia can't quite capture the grief it seeks to dramatize.

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Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

May 19, 2022

3/5

There is much skill at work here, so parts of it are lovely. It’s just the way it comes together – or doesn’t.

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David Stratton

The Australian

May 13, 2022

3.5/5

One of the strengths of this modest film, which is partially based on Neal’s memoir “An Unquiet Life”, is the casting.

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Claudia Puig

FilmWeek (LAist)

Apr 19, 2022

A glassy reimagining of their marriage that isn't terribly accurate.

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Francesca Steele

iNews.co.uk

Dec 10, 2024

3/5

It’s impossible to watch the film without thinking of what might have been, and precisely what is at risk now.

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Jane Freebury

The Canberra Times (Australia)

Jun 7, 2022

3/5

Brief moments of the world created by the celebrated children's author at cross-purposes in this dark chapter in the marriage when the celebrity couple had to deal with searing personal loss, yet were still on track to some of their best creative work

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James Croot

The Post NZ

May 19, 2022

3/5

Despite two solid performances from the reliable Bonneville and Hawes, To Olivia never really tugs at the heartstrings in quite the way on feels it should.

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Meri S.

@mschroeder Jan 3, 2026

A depressing movie based on Roald Dahl and Patricia oneal’s loss of their seven year old daughter due to measles. Acting was decent.

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june h

@RT13100646 Jan 10, 2023

Depressing slice of history

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Peter W

@RT12077588 Jan 1, 2023

Overall, there's a fascinating and heavy dramatic story on display here about the famous writer Roald Dahl, and it's a story I wasn't aware of. Performances are generally great, along with the touching and powerful musical score. While the story is gripping and sad, to my surprise, the results didn't resonate or stay firmly with me (even though they really should have). There are moments that seem to overstay welcome, and some themes stay longer than preferred rather than moving forward. Moments of tension are also not as powerful as they could be due to certain actors being fitted with strange makeup and prosthetics. Based on the story alone, I wish this film stuck with me more closely than the results I experienced, which were forgettable.

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Feb 27, 2021

I was profoundly moved by this film. The performances from Keeley Hawes and Hugh Bonneville are brilliant and the score is superb. Bravo to Director John Hay and all involved!

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Feb 27, 2021

I loved this film. A great insight into the mind and workings of Roald Dahl.

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Feb 27, 2021

Great family watching

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John Hay

Director

Hugh Bonneville

Roald Dahl

Keeley Hawes

Patricia Neal

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Synopsis

In 1962, Roald Dahl (Hugh Bonneville) was an upcoming children's author, his wife, Patricia Neal (Keeley Hawes), was a Hollywood movie star. This unlikely pairing retreated to the English countryside to bring up their expanding young family, only for their lives to be turned upside down when their daughter Olivia contracted the measles virus and died. Her death devastated the couple, yet, their shared grief became a source of redemption and strength, Neal going on to win an Oscar and Dahl writing the book which made him a household name.

Director: John Hay
Producer: Donall McCusker, Nick Quested, Adrian Politowski, Martin Metz
Screenwriter: John Hay, David Logan, John Hay, David Logan, Stephen Michael Shearer
Distributor: Vertical Entertainment
Production Co: Goldcrest Films International, Align, Atticus Pictures
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 15, 2022, Limited
Runtime: 1h 39m

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