Some films satisfy our need for art, while others exist for the spectacle of big budget effects.

And then there are films like "Finding Your Feet" from Richard Loncraine. It isn't a work of cinematic art, and it's certainly not full of big budget explosions. Instead, this film is the cinematic equivalent of wrapping up in a warm blanket and sitting by the fire with a cup of cocoa.

"Finding Your Feet" tells the story of Sandra (Imelda Staunton), an unpleasant woman whose life is thrown into disarray when she discovers her husband has been having an affair with her best friend for years. Unsure of what to do, and with few options anyway, Sandra leaves and goes into the heart of working-class London to stay with her estranged sister Bif (Celia Imrie).

None of this is groundbreaking. We've seen this story many times before, and to varying degrees of quality. What Richard Loncraine manages here, though, is a film that moves at the right pace and hits the right emotional beats. As Sandra becomes very much a fish out of water, having to navigate the world of the working class after fleeing life as a "Lady," the film takes a familiar path. But that familiar path is exactly what works. Sandra reconnects with her sister and she meets someone new (Timothy Spall) who fascinates her. And, of course, both of these situations lead to their own joys and problems.

The movie is fun and often funny, with poignant moments of familial bonding, getting to know new people, and learning more about oneself. The point of the film isn't to present a groundbreaking look at how a rich, better-than-everyone woman learns her lesson. Or how everyone goes through hard times. This film exists purely as a charming view of rediscovering all the things we used to love as we get into our later years.

Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcroft wrote the script together. This is Leonard's first feature script. Moorcroft wrote "Urban Hymn" and "Oh Marbella!" among other things. The dialogue is just right, the characters feel real, and even though the story feels familiar, they still take their characters and the audience through some unexpected turns.

"Finding Your Feet" won't be for everyone. But if you are looking for comfort food on a rainy afternoon, this is sure to charm you in all the best ways.

GRADE: (★★★)

"Finding Your Feet" is distributed by Focus Features and is in theaters now.

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