Everyone’s favorite Exotic Marigold Hotel returns for another run, and this time it’s bigger and better.
Directed by John Madden and written by Ol Parker, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ties up all the loose ends from the first film and creates a few new plot twists along the way. The will-they-wont-they relationship between Evelyn (Judi Dench) and Douglas (Bill Nighy) reaches all new heights as tensions rise between our protagonist Sonny (Dev Patel) and his bride to be (Tena Desae). From hitmen to love triangles to fake accents, this sequel gives the first film a run for its money. Even with all the aforementioned chaos, this film is also about peace and acceptance and starting a new chapter in one’s life whether it’s a career or a relationship, or both. Someone gives Sonny a run for his money and poses as a new obstacle as he tries to open up a second best exotic marigold hotel. Sonny’s marriage is almost in jeopardy as he lets his insecurities and misguided priorities take a hold of him.
What’s really touching is that this film actually focuses on the second phase of life rather than killing time before you kick the bucket. There’s a little bit of everything in this movie, romance, comedy, dancing, and even a hint of suspense and danger. The film stars Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Lillete Dubey and Richard Gere. Watch as the whole gang returns and realizes what they really want out of life: love, monogamy,trust and friendship.
-Nishat Baig
