The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day (1993) is a British drama directed by James Ivory — watch online on iFILM. Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson star in an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize novel, produced by Merchant Ivory Productions.

Stevens has spent his entire adult life perfecting the art of not being present. As head butler at Darlington Hall, he is flawless at his work and invisible as a person. Miss Kenton is the housekeeper who has worked beside him for years — and who sees through him clearly. The film moves between two time periods: the 1930s, when Lord Darlington hosted German officials on the eve of war, and the 1950s, when an aging Stevens drives across England to find Kenton after years apart. What he finds is how much he chose not to feel.

Hugh Grant and Christopher Reeve appear in supporting roles. The film earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hopkins. Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant made it as a study in professional duty taken so far it hollows a man out entirely. Stream The Remains of the Day online on iFILM.