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Comedy drama

Hampstead (2019): Cast & Ratings

Hampstead (2019) movie poster

Hampstead is a 2019 comedy drama directed by Joel Hopkins, starring Diane Keaton as Emily Walters, Brendan Gleeson and Phil Davis. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes. Critics gave it 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
43%
Echo Score
60
Metascore
53
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Hampstead (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Director
Joel Hopkins
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Hampstead About?

The premise of Hampstead without spoilers.

In London's charming Hampstead neighborhood, an American widow named Emily seeks a fresh start, encountering Donald, a solitary Irish man protecting his secluded cabin. Their differing personalities clash as they find themselves united against wealthy developers aiming to seize the land. A tender romance develops amidst the conflict, and together they fight to preserve the unique character of their community in this uplifting story of perseverance and connection.

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Cast & crew

Hampstead Cast & Characters

Diane Keaton leads the cast as Emily Walters, with Brendan Gleeson as Donald Horner and Phil Davis as Sid Fife. Directed by Joel Hopkins; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Hampstead

· 6 more
From the director

More from Joel Hopkins

More films directed by Joel Hopkins, best-rated first: Jump Tomorrow, Last Chance Harvey and The Love Punch.

Full filmography
Ratings

Hampstead Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Hampstead 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and 53 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in story & flow (50).

60 /100

Hampstead Echo Score Breakdown

In overall terms, Hampstead delivers a modestly pleasing romantic dramedy with uneven execution. The performances of its leads are generally agreeable and the setting contributes to a light, relaxed tone. However, story contrivances, variable chemistry, and superficial character exploration limit its impact. Despite its amiable atmosphere and easy pace, the film remains lightly entertaining but not particularly memorable in the long run.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents a visually unhurried style with straightforward framing and measured editing. The production design captures the charm of its setting through understated color palettes and genuine location details. Cinematography remains functional rather than striking, sustaining a gentle, unfussy aesthetic. Overall, the visual craft supports the narrative without commanding attention.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads offer likable but underdeveloped figures whose chemistry varies from engaging to occasionally flat. Diane Keaton’s sympathetic portrayal provides warmth, while Brendan Gleeson’s charm steadies the dynamic. Supporting roles contribute moments of genuine feeling but lack deeper development. As a result, the emotional depth remains modest and occasionally inconsistent.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of story and flow, the film follows familiar romantic dramedy beats with clear but predictable plot points. Pacing is generally measured, allowing for gentle humor and reflection, though the narrative is occasionally weighed down by contrived misunderstandings. Originality is limited by formulaic structure, and engagement dips when plausibility strains. Ultimately, the storyline offers comfort rather than surprise.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When considering sensory experience, the soundtrack and sound design remain unobtrusive, complementing the on-screen ambience without drawing attention. Visual style emphasizes natural light and authentic locations, reinforcing the film’s gentle mood. The overall audio-visual mix is balanced and accessible, though it lacks distinctive flourishes. In sum, the sensory elements support the narrative without standing out.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers a pleasant but lightweight experience that is easy to revisit in relaxed settings. Familiar plot rhythms and amiable performances provide comfort, though the lack of narrative depth and memorable moments may limit its long-term appeal. Consequently, repeat viewings are agreeable for mood but unlikely to reveal new insights.

Details

Hampstead Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “The Ponds: Still Waters Run Deep” and “Swimming through the Seasons: The Hampstead Ponds”.

Also known as
  • The Ponds: Still Waters Run Deep
  • Swimming through the Seasons: The Hampstead Ponds
  • The Ponds : Les philosophes des bassins

Seen Hampstead?

FAQ

Hampstead FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Hampstead, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Hampstead?

Hampstead runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Hampstead released?

Hampstead was released on June 14, 2019.

Who directed Hampstead?

Hampstead was directed by Joel Hopkins.

More films by Joel Hopkins

Who is in the cast of Hampstead?

Hampstead stars Diane Keaton as Emily Walters, Brendan Gleeson as Donald Horner and Phil Davis as Sid Fife, among 10 credited actors.

How is Hampstead rated?

Hampstead has 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic, 3.5/5 on Letterboxd and 3.8/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Hampstead have a post-credit scene?

No. Hampstead has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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