Venus

The story begins with Maurice, an aging actor, grappling with the challenges posed by his deteriorating health. His battle with prostate cancer serves as the backdrop for his internal conflicts and relationships throughout the film.

Maurice becomes intrigued by his friend Ian's great-niece, Jessie, played by Jodie Whittaker. Initially, he views her as troublesome, yet he finds himself drawn to her personality and complexity as they begin to interact more.

Maurice takes Jessie to the National Gallery in London to admire his favorite artwork, the Rokeby Venus. This outing marks a pivotal moment in their relationship as Jessie begins to show genuine interest in Maurice and his world.

Intrigued by Jessie's interest in modeling, Maurice misinterprets this as a desire for 'yodelling' and arranges for her to participate as a nude model in an art class. This event signifies Maurice's deepening affection for Jessie, leading him to affectionately nickname her 'Venus.'

Their relationship develops into a complex interplay of attraction and passive aggression. Maurice openly expresses his feelings for Jessie, while she engages in playful teasing, yet often distances herself when things become too intense.

As their bond strengthens, hints of Jessie's tumultuous history come to light. Her family's rejection due to her free-spirited nature adds depth to her character and illustrates her search for acceptance in Maurice.

Tension escalates when Jessie enters a romantic relationship with a boy. They convince Maurice to leave his apartment, intending to find privacy, leading to Maurice ultimately throwing the couple out after an unexpected altercation.

After the confrontation, Jessie leaves with the boy and engages in a night filled with fun and excess. However, she is later troubled by lingering thoughts of Maurice's well-being, revealing her deeper connection to him.

Jessie returns to Maurice out of concern for his condition. In a surprising twist, Maurice feigns memory loss about his injury, calling for 'Venus' and expressing a desire for her to take care of him, which she ultimately decides to do.

The two share a poignant moment by the seaside in Whitstable, Kent. As they sit by the water, Maurice opens up to Jessie, saying, 'Now, we can really talk,' indicating a deepening of their emotional bond.

In a heartfelt culmination of their intricate relationship, Maurice passes away while leaning against Jessie. This signifies the end of his journey and marks the profound impact she had on his life, leaving a lasting bond between them.