health
February 18, 2026
Queen at Sea review
Driven by fine performances from Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall, Lance Hammer’s comeback is unbearable in its tragic candour and essential in its moral questioning
TL;DR
- The film depicts the challenges of dementia, caregiving, and end-of-life decisions.
- It highlights the complex intimacy between an elderly couple, which becomes a point of contention for their adult children.
- A central conflict arises when the daughter discovers her mother with dementia having sex with her stepfather, leading to accusations and police involvement.
- The movie contrasts different perspectives on marital sex with dementia patients and the role of consent.
- It examines the emotional toll on the husband, who believes intimacy comforts his wife, and the daughter, who prioritizes institutional care.
- The film concludes with an ambiguous and poignant final sequence reflecting on intergenerational intimacy.
Continue reading the original article