Oscar-winners Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, who co-starred in Comes a Horseman back in days of yore, pair up beautifully again in Our Souls at Night, a romantic film that makes my heart sing. In this lovely movie directed by Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox), two lonely people manage to change their lives and the lives of others -- for the good -- through their unexpected connection.

It all starts with a knock on the door after Addie (Fonda) bravely decides to risk the possibility of rejection by presenting her neighbor Louis (Redford) with an unusual proposition. These two have known each other for years, and both of them carry emotional baggage from the past.  Though awkward at first, they soon begin to share their problems with each other. They also bond while working together to help Addie’s grandson (Iain Armitage/The Glass Castle), a sad little boy who seems neglected by both parents. (NOTE: Keep your eye on this impressive young actor. He really knows how to tug at your heartstrings! He already did that in HBO’s Big Little Lies, and he’s now starring in the new TV series Young Sheldon.)   

The close late-in-life relationship between Addie and Louis doesn’t happen without obstacles, but we always hope everything will work out for these two because we grow to love them -- warts and all.  

After watching Our Souls at Night, I spent some time wondering why I enjoyed this particular film so much. The two veteran actors help, of course. But the movie’s realistic and sensitive dialogue definitely enhances the story. Kudos to screenwriters Kent Haruf (Plainsong), Michael H. Weber (The Fault in Our Stars) and Scott Neustradter (500 Days of Summer.)

“Help me get through each night, neighbor?”

A strange request coming from her.

She’s asking him to share her bed,

but not for sex, just talk instead.

Spouses they lost sometime ago.

And romance hopes seem rather low.

But who knows what their future brings?

We hope it’s filled with lovely things.

OUR SOULS AT NIGHT – a sweet movie.

Fonda and Redford work for me.

They play these roles with style and grace

in this fine film not rushed for pace.

Each character we get to know.

We watch their friendship slowly grow.

This motion picture was for me

a special treat I loved to see.

(Released by Netflix; not rated by MPAA.)

For more information about Our Souls at Night, go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes website.)