The Remains of the Day

A 4K restoration of Merchant Ivory’s quiet study of duty, love and missed opportunities, starring Emma Thompson alongside Anthony Hopkins.

In post-war England, devoted butler Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) sets out across the countryside, reflecting on his years of unwavering service at Darlington Hall. When he reunites with former housekeeper Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson), memories of their life together force him to confront what he has sacrificed in the name of duty.

Adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Remains of the Day is a restrained story of class, repression and the possibilities left unexplored.

Curator’s note
Emma Thompson delivers a warm and forthright performance as Miss Kenton, in a striking contrast to Stevens’ reserve. Her performance allows the character’s feelings to emerge through small gestures and moments of directness, making the relationship’s missed possibilities all the more affecting.

One of the defining achievements of Merchant Ivory’s collaboration with screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, The Remains of the Day translates Ishiguro’s restrained novel to the screen through performance and understatement. James Ivory’s direction keeps the drama focused on what remains unsaid, while Hopkins and Thompson make the emotional stakes of Stevens and Miss Kenton’s relationship increasingly clear.

The film received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hopkins and Best Actress for Thompson.