The Reverend and Mrs Simpson — Movie Summary, Review, Commentary & Behind the Scenes

Original Title: The Reverend and Mrs Simpson

• Release Year: 2022/2023
• Director & Writer: Richard Dee-Roberts

Main Cast:

• Anne Scherliess as Anna Simpson
• Richard Dee-Roberts as Reverend Charles Wilson
• Julian Glover as Older Charles
• Judith Paris as Miss Evans
• Isla Blair as a supporting character
• Julian Gamm as Jack Simpson
• Stephen Billington as Peter (older)

The Reverend and Mrs Simpson is a poignant historical drama that examines the impact of war, prejudice, and long-buried secrets on a family and a close-knit community. Directed and written by Richard Dee-Roberts, the film weaves together themes of cultural bias, resilience, and the long reach of past mistakes into a narrative that spans decades.

Story Summary

Set soon after the end of World War II, The Reverend and Mrs Simpson follows Anna Simpson, a German war bride who relocates with her young son Peter from Berlin to England to reunite with her British husband Jack Simpson. The year is 1950, and while the war may have officially ended, its emotional and social repercussions are still felt deeply by ordinary people.

Upon arrival, Anna and Peter are met not with relief and comfort but with widespread hostility and mistrust from their new neighbors simply because of their German heritage. Anti-German sentiment remains strong in the English countryside, and despite her efforts to start a new life, Anna and her son are soon evicted from the family home in the absence of Jack, who has not yet returned.

Stranded and vulnerable, Anna turns to Reverend Charles Wilson (played by Richard Dee-Roberts) and his loyal housekeeper Miss Evans (Judith Paris) for help. The Reverend offers a safe haven and compassion where others offer only scorn. In the face of prejudice, he becomes not only a spiritual leader but also a source of strength and kindness for Anna and young Peter.

When Jack Simpson (Julian Gamm) eventually returns — alive but changed by his own experiences — tensions that have been simmering throughout the community reach a tragic boiling point. The consequences of this return reverberate not only within the family but throughout the village, where decades of unspoken resentments eventually surface.

Decades later, a gravedigger makes a startling discovery — a secret buried for forty years that forces long-avoided questions to be asked and answered. This revelation brings the audience full circle and uncovers the long shadows cast by war, bias, and hidden truths.

Film Review

The Reverend and Mrs Simpson is a moving and deeply human drama that examines the often overlooked aftermath of war on individuals and families. While its pacing is measured and reflective rather than action-driven, the film’s emotional weight comes from its sensitive portrayal of social fear, forgiveness, and the complex nature of belonging.

Anne Scherliess’s performance as Anna Simpson is heartfelt and nuanced, capturing both the quiet vulnerability and growing resilience of a woman navigating an unwelcoming world. Her struggles reflect a universal theme — that of seeking acceptance in a place that sees her as an outsider.

Richard Dee-Roberts not only directs but also delivers a grounded portrayal of Reverend Charles Wilson, a figure of empathy and moral courage. His character is instrumental in bridging divides and embodying the film’s message about compassion and human dignity.

Veteran actor Julian Glover adds gravitas as Older Charles, bringing a reflective presence that anchors the film’s later timelines. The supporting cast, including Judith Paris as Miss Evans and Isla Blair in key roles, contribute to a rich ensemble that enhances the narrative depth.

Some audience reviews highlight sound and pacing issues, yet many also note the film’s compelling storyline and honest performances as redeeming qualities that keep viewers emotionally invested.

Commentary

One of The Reverend and Mrs Simpson’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of prejudice and reconciliation. The film does not simply depict post-war tension; it uses personal stories to illustrate how fear and bias can persist long after conflict fades. Anna’s experience highlights how migration and cultural friction can take an emotional toll on families and communities alike.

At the same time, the film shows that human kindness and allies — like the Reverend and his housekeeper — play a crucial role in creating spaces of healing and acceptance. This contrast reinforces the idea that compassion can endure where prejudice fails.

Behind the Scenes

The Reverend and Mrs Simpson was written and directed by Richard Dee-Roberts, whose vision was to tell a story that combines historical reflection with emotional truth. The film was shot in the United Kingdom, including in locations such as Leominster, England, and was produced by Blotched Ink (UK), with contributions from producers including Jeff Raggett and Elisaveta Abrahall.

According to production notes, principal photography began in mid-2019 and continued through late 2019, blending period-specific sets and costumes to authentically capture life in post-WWII England. Cinematography by Ruairidh Duguid and a richly emotive musical score by Tom Theakston and Johnny Yates help evoke the era and mood of emotional introspection and community tension.

Though The Reverend and Mrs Simpson did not receive widespread critical coverage, it continues to attract interest from viewers who appreciate historical drama with emotional resonance and stories that explore the long shadows cast by war and human connection.

👉 Click here to watch this movies