I am always pleased to have guest posts on my blog although it does not happen often. Thankfully, today is one of those amazing days. You may have read my reviews of three films starring Sebastian Spence (and yes, dear reader, you will have many more to endure in the upcoming weeks). Lest you think I’m the only fan this particular actor has, I will be sharing with you today a guest review of one of his best-loved films. Enjoy.

I found Cedar Cove purely by accident.  When another fairly well-known Canadian actor, William deVry, announced his guest role on the Season 2 finale, I just had to get caught up and see what Cedar Cove was all about.  Instantly, I was in love, with the town, the characters, the actors, the story.  Everyone loves Jack and Olivia and their budding romance, me included.  But there is a goldmine of talent remaining.  When the character of Cliff Harting was introduced, I was instantly intrigued.  Who is this rugged, yet sensitive cowboy, and who is the actor that brings this character to life?

The man behind the cowboy is none other than Sebastian Spence.  A Canadian actor most well-known for his starring role in the Canadian sci-fi hit First Wave.  Having never heard of him before, I set out on a journey to find out more about him–both the man and the actor.  Sebastian Spence, the actor, is a rare hidden gem of talent.

However, Sebastian Spence, the man, is somewhat of a mystery.  From the behind the scenes features on his other films, I am learning that the man behind the actor is soft-spoken, confident, funny, and passionate about his work.  From my interaction with him on twitter, I have learned he is that and so much more.  First and foremost, Sebastian is a human being.  He experiences the difficulties in life just like the rest of us.  He is affected by the bullying and cruelty that comes with fame and having a presence on social media much like everyone else.    He spends a good amount of his down time with us, his loyal and unwavering fans.  Not just five minutes here and there, but sometimes hours on end because he genuinely cares about us and our opinions.  He is an animal lover, a lover of nature, and a lover of life!

The first movie that I found was Daniel’s Daughter.  When a woman learns that her father has passed away, she must confront the past (and the town) she left behind (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1145852/).

Daniel’s Daughter begins in the small seaside town of New Kerry, Massachusetts, where we are introduced to Cate Madighan and her childhood best friend, Fiona.  As the story goes, following the death of Cate’s mother, her distraught father, Daniel, begins to feel as though he cannot adequately provide for his young daughter.  He chooses to send her away to live with her cousin’s family but promises to bring her home after finishing his latest job.  Fast-forward 26 years and we find Cate to be a successful magazine editor who has now learned that her father has passed away. In the midst of planning her wedding, she decides to return to New Kerry to fulfill her father’s dying wish of spreading his ashes and then return home to New York to never look back again.

Upon arrival in New Kerry, Cate and her personal assistant, Jeffery have a brief encounter with Conner Bailey.  On the surface, Conner is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.  He is played perfectly by Sebastian Spence.  You can tell he is instantly smitten by Cate as he can’t seem to put together a single coherent thought.  This is also apparent in the bar scene when Conner asks Cate to join him and Erin for dinner. Sebastian really wears his emotions on his sleeve in this film.  There is no mistaking the amount of passion that he puts into his work.  He and Laura Leighton play very well off of one another.  There is just enough awkwardness spread throughout the film to make their budding relationship that much more believable.

One of my favorite scenes is the day at the office after realizing that he can no longer find any of his files because Jeffery has “re-organized” everything, Conner suggests that the only way Cate can make it up to him is by “firing” herself for the day and spending afternoon with him.  Cate is somewhat hesitant; Jeffery steps in and tells Cate that if she doesn’t go with Conner, he will.  Although there isn’t much interaction between Conner and Jeffery throughout the film, Sebastian and Brandon Firla are quite entertaining as well. The looks that Conner and Jeffrey exchange are priceless and perfect!  Cate ultimately accepts the invitation.  Conner packs a picnic for two and they ride to the beach for what should be a romantic getaway.  That is until Stewart, Cate’s boss and fiancé calls suggesting that Cate’s behavior is foolish and demands that she return to New York and face her responsibilities with the magazine and her upcoming wedding.  Conner is clearly the “odd man out.”  They pack up and walk back to town.

Another poignant scene is when Cate leaves New Kerry.  Conner can be seen sitting behind his desk, clearly lost in his thoughts.  Feeling frustrated and alone, he throws the contents of his desk to the floor and immediately wonders why he did so.  There is a knock at the door.  It’s Cate coming to say good-bye and to thank Conner for everything.  She kisses him on the cheek and turns to leave.  I particularly enjoyed these scenes because of Sebastian’s ability to show the calm before storm that is unmistakably brewing in Conner’s head and then the anguish that he must confront afterward.  You can see and feel that Conner wants to fight for Cate, but ultimately decides that it is best to leave things alone.    

Having returned to New York in the hopes of moving on with her wedding and career, Cate is visibly distracted and unable to focus on either task.  Just as Jeffrey reminds her to follow her heart, Conner appears and suggests the same.  Just as they are about to kiss, Stewart walks in and witnesses the undeniable connection between Cate and Conner.  Once again the chemistry between Sebastian and Laura is unquestionable.  They both do an incredible job of making the romance true and believable.

Being my first and only review thus far, I hope I have done the movie and the actors justice and encouraged you to watch as well.  

Guest Reviewer:

(By the way, I like the movie, too, but I appreciate that one of my new dearest friends was willing to post her own review. She is the unofficial detective in our group who is able to hunt down the very-difficult-to-find films by our favorite actor.  And she recently sent me a film that I will be reviewing this very week. Incidentally, it’s one that includes a scene that I am uniquely qualified to review. Thanks and great job, Lolita!)

Spread the love

Tweet