Summerland is a 2020 British drama film directed by Jessica Swale. It stars Gemma Arterton as Alice, a reclusive writer who lives in a small village on the English coast during the Second World War. When the government orders the evacuation of London's children to the countryside, Alice is forced to take in a young boy named Frank (Lucas Bond) who is initially perceived as a nuisance.
Alice resents Frank's presence and tries to get rid of him by sending him to the neighboring village to live with a friend. However, as time goes on, Alice begins to bond with Frank, and they develop a close relationship. Alice starts to reveal her painful past and the reasons behind her isolation, including a former lover named Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw).
As Alice and Frank's relationship deepens, Alice learns to overcome her emotional barriers and starts to open her heart to the world again. However, their happiness is short-lived as Frank's mother evacuates and wants to take him back to London. Alice is forced to confront her emotions and the bond she has developed with Frank.
Summerland explores themes of love, loss, and healing and provides a unique perspective on the impact of war on the daily lives of ordinary people. The film received positive reviews from critics and was praised for Arterton's performance and the film's heartwarming story.