It begins with a dream for something more, something different. Then the dream becomes a possibility and that possibility becomes real with a leap of courage. This is the path for many, many immigrants. And this is the story of Brooklyn.

Eillis (Saoirse Ronan) is a young Irish woman from a small town where everyone knows everyone and no one is going anywhere, or so Eillis thinks. So, when an opportunity arises to go to America, to experience something new, she jumps at it. Leaving her mother, her sister and her friends behind, Eillis boards a boat to New York City.

Her excitement begins to wane as she experience a rough bout of seasickness followed by a stretch of homesickness. Despite having a good job and a slew of roommates, Eillis is not settling in and America does not feel like home. A local priest rectifies that by signing her up for a night class and encouraging her to attend the weekly young people’s dance at the parish hall.

Just as Eillis is beginning to feel her independence in Brooklyn, a family tragedy calls her home. What is meant to be a short visit ushers in a whole new set of possibilities that leaves young Eillis torn between her new life in America and upexpected opportunities in Ireland.

Relative newcomer, Emory Cohen, plays Tony Fiorello, Eillis’ Brooklyn love interest. Cohen is enchanting and full of charm, so much so that viewers root for him from the start. The chemistry between Ronan and Cohen is magical and will have you smiling and sighing scene by scene.

Based of Colm Toibin’s book of the same name, Brooklyn, is a beautiful, earnest story that pulls on the heartstrings from the first to the last. Its a wonderfully fleshed out story with incredibly likeable and memorable characters. The only thing more beautiful that the cinematography is the costumes.

Odile Dicks-Mireaux wows with a stunning array of 1940s/50s era dresses, hats and bathing costumes for the cast. Every ensemble is perfect and takes this film from a great story to a stunning work of art. Ronan appears in several show-stopping outfits but none take my breath away as much as the printed skirt she wears on both of Eillis’ beach excursions. Perfection!

Do yourself a favour, grab your favourite warm beverage and settle in for some good soup for the soul and watch Brooklyn. It’s beautiful, heart-warming and an absolutely feel good flick. It really is stunning.

Streaming now on Netflix.