Watch The Sabbatical

The Sabbatical is a heartwarming Canadian comedy-drama film released in 2015, directed by Brian Stockton. The movie stars James Whittingham as James Pittman, a burned-out university professor who takes a sabbatical to rediscover his ion for teaching and life. James Pittman is a middle-aged professor of literature at a university in Canada. He is at the point in his career where he has lost his enthusiasm and love for teaching. After a heated argument with his boss, he decides to take a year off from work to figure out what he wants to do with his life. The year off turns out to be his last chance to reconnect with himself, his dreams, and his loved ones.

As the story unfolds, we see James spending his days exploring various parts of Canada and even makes a trip to Europe. He tries to reignite his ion for literature, but instead finds it in the form of photography. He begins to capture the beauty of the world around him through his camera lens.

During his year off, James takes time to reconnect with his elderly mother, who lives in a nursing home. He also tries to improve his strained relationship with his daughter, who is dealing with her own personal struggles. His interactions with them lead to some of the most touching and heartwarming moments of the film.

The Sabbatical is more than just a story about finding oneself; it delves into important topics such as mental illness, family dynamics, and living in the moment. Despite being a comedy-drama, the film presents these issues with a sense of realism, honesty, and sincerity. The characters are relatable, and their struggles create an emotional connection with the viewer.

The film's acting is superb, with all the actors delivering authentic and powerful performances. James Whittingham stands out, bringing to life the complex and multi-dimensional character of James Pittman. Laura Abramsen, who plays James's daughter, gives an impressive and emotional performance, while Bernadette Mullen as James's mother is equally fantastic.

Furthermore, the cinematography in the movie is stellar, capturing the beauty of Canada and Europe. The film also features a great soundtrack that complements the story's mood and adds to the authenticity.

Overall, The Sabbatical is a touching and thought-provoking film that speaks to people of all ages, especially those who have struggled to find their place in life. Director Brian Stockton presents the story with tenderness, humor, and sensitivity, making it a memorable film.

The Sabbatical is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.