By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
The enchanting romantic drama
"Take My Hand" marks the debut feature of
Australian writer/director John Raftopoulos.
Based on Raftopoulos' own life experiences, the film blends genuine emotion with a heartfelt story, though it's unclear how much of it adheres strictly to reality versus creative license. Regardless, "Take My Hand" is a poignant and beautiful love story.
In the film, Meg Fraser ("One Perfect Match") stars as Laura, a horse-loving teen living in rural Australia with her mother Joan (Robyn Gibbs, TV's "Sea Change") and her father Peter (Darren Gilshenan, TV's "Nautilus"). Her mother suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS).
Laura meets the charming teen, Michael (Xavier Molyneux, "Love You Like That"), who, despite his lack of experience with horses, eagerly asks Laura to teach him. As they spend time together, their conversations reveal their dreams and aspirations: Michael hopes to become a talent scout for the Australian Football League (AFL), while Laura plans to attend college in England.
Years later, Laura (now beautifully portrayed by Radha Mitchell, TV's "Troppo") is living in London, married to Jason (Bart Edwards, TV's "The Witcher"), and raising three adorable boys. Her life seems to be on track until she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, (MS). In addition, a family tragedy forces her to return to Australia to live with her parents.
Upon her return, she unexpectedly runs into Michael (now played by Adam Demos, TV's "Sex/Life"), who is now divorced and has a spirited, horse-loving teenage daughter named Bella (Jessie Robertson, TV's "Troppo"). As old feelings resurface, Michael, unaware of Laura's health struggles, is deeply moved when she reveals her condition. He immediately offers to support Laura and her children in any way he can, rekindling a bond that brings both comfort and new emotional complexities to their lives, highlighting the deep-seated connection that persist despite time and distance.
"Take My Hand" is particularly special because it is inspired by director John Raftopoulos's wife,
Claire Jensz, who was diagnosed with MS, and she also co-produced the film. This personal touch infuses the film with emotional depth, avoiding the usual traps of melodrama.
Coupled with the palpable chemistry between lead stars Radha Mitchell and Adam Demos, "Take My Hand" emerges as a truly uplifting and inspiring movie that has the power to renew your faith in human kindness.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Check Out This Trailer For
"TAKE MY HAND"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
