Meeting ‘the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse’
I had the privilege of attending a screening of ‘The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse’.
A few years ago I used to be a Waterstones bookseller, and I remember seeing the floods of these beautiful hardbacks flowing in and out of the shop- posters, banners, life size cut outs of the characters- this book was everywhere. During the Christmas rush I didn’t have time to read between shifts, so seeing this beautiful film, I am seeing into Charlie’s world with fresh eyes.
The book, which was named Waterstones book of the year has seemed to be following me. From the shop I worked in, to Charlie’s illustrations being commissioned by my Local park- even my walking routes were dotted with these beautiful swirls of ink and text. So many conversations with friends, family, neighbours ( + that friend of your mum that you bump into at the corner shop, and subsequently exchange 5 minutes of small talk with whilst your frozen peas slowly defrost in your hands.) So many conversations came and went talking about this wonderful book, and this wonderful film- yet still, I never felt I had the time to read it…
Finally I was invited to see a special screening of the film.
Wow.
It was one of the most touching, honest, beautiful, true, sweet, innocent (I’m running out of adjectives!) stories I have ever seen.
Set in the bleak melancholic British countryside, the landscape unfurls as the story does. An initially stark and lonely place, where a lost boy shuffles through endless snow, becomes an entire world of watercolored beauty.
Soaring beautifully through the painted landscape, Charlie offers us a glimpse into what the world used to look like to us as children. A world where all is not lost, where trees look like cake, and where horses can fly. He balances this nostalgia, with an serene adult sense of knowing. The viewer watches both in anticipation and with hindsight.
By the end of the film, it almost felt like the blotchy animated watercolour was washed with my own tears. A swirl of happiness and sadness, but I was ultimately left feeling… hugged.
It felt like the irreplaceable hug from your mother after a long cold day at school. It felt like a heartbeat, of someone you love, pressed against yours. It felt like your dad holding your hand when you’re nervous, assuring you everything will be okay.
The ultimate take away from this film and this story, is four words, four invisible words which course through the watercolour:
You are not alone.
That is something we are told as children, but often need to be reminded of as adults.
My advice- go read the book, go watch the film, then go and see someone you love, someone you loved, or someone you might…
have a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and remind them.
You are not alone.
I ended the evening misty eyed, and floating through the Covent Garden cobblestones. The evening concluded with a dinner at a Soho House which was spectacular as usual.
This was my first time in Kettners, and the service, the food, the drinks and the vibe were all Soho House standard (aka perfect).
(10/10 location, 9.5/10 food, 9/10 setting, 10/10 service. Overall 9.5/10)
The ox tail croquettes with anchovy mayo were the real winner, an honourable mention goes to the new potatoes! The pork schnitzel was fantastic, and the Chicken pie (which I pinched from my sister’s plate) was incredible.
