Marvellous. Yes, it really is.

A feel-good footy film that’s touching, uplifting and beautifully written -  this true story restores faith in the power of positivity. 

Marvellous. Photo: Acorn TV. Used with permission.

Originally broadcast on BBC 2 and now streaming on Acorn TV, this feature-length biopic is a footy film (sort of) and yet so much more. Toby Jones plays the marvellous Neil Baldwin, a man with learning difficulties who lives with his mum, loves his budgies, and also has an incredible life. When Neil decides to do something, like being a circus clown, student greeter at Keele Uni, Tony Benn’s dinner guest at the Houses of Parliament, or joining the Oxbridge boat race and scoring a winning goal for his beloved Stoke City, he really means it. The only obstacles are those perceived by others, not Neil.

Toby Jones as Neil Baldwin. Photo: Acorn TV. Used with permission.

Based on the biography Marvellous, Neil’s story is told in a very gentle and sensitive way; it has moments that made me laugh out loud and moments that made me cry. Although there are a couple of cruel and sweary scenes, this is absolutely a movie about kindness, tenderness and acceptance.
  
Real Neil himself features in the film, explaining his thoughts to pretend Neil on a bus, while the real Lou Macari and real Gary Lineker also pop-up in cameo roles. Macari later said of the movie, “It’s the best 90 minutes Stoke City’s had for a long time”. 

Neil’s innocence and positivity have an amazingly affirming effect on everyone he meets. His philosophy on life: “I’ve always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.”  Neil’s fearless optimism is an inspiration to us all, and just the tonic the world needs right now. 
Simply marvellous. 
​

Marvellous is streaming now on Acorn TV.

As an Amazon associate, I earn commission when you purchase. Thanks for supporting British Banter in Atlanta.