This is an accomplished, wrenching family drama about a couple in their eighties – Leslie, who has advanced dementia, and Martin, who looks after her. He takes her on daily walks. He cooks, baths her, and washes her hair – which she loves. Sitting face-to-face at the kitchen table, he shows her how to take her daily medication. He’s patient, gentle and loving.
Amanda, Leslie’s academic daughter, has taken a year’s sabbatical to be near them. One morning, she stumbles on Martin lying on Leslie in bed, having sex. It’s happened before and has been a focus of tension between Amanda and her stepfather. Does Leslie have the mental capacity to meaningfully consent? Amanda agrees with Leslie’s GP and thinks not. Martin says it comforts Leslie, and that she initiates it.
