The 2017 American romantic drama film Our Souls at Night will make you feel something deep and poignant, as it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love. Directed by Ritesh Batra, this moving story stars Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, who captivate audiences with their experienced acting skills.
Living in the familiar neighborhood are two widows who have been close but not quite for years: Addie Moore (Jane Fonda) and lonely widower Louis Waters (Robert Redford). Addie suggests a novel way to combat their loneliness one unexpected night: staying the night without any romantic overtones.
After coming to an unusual agreement, the two spend nights together at Addie’s house, and their relationship gets stronger when Addie’s summertime grandson Jamie visits.
But when Addie’s son Gene (Matthias Schoenaerts), troubled by Louis’s previous decisions, rejects their friendship, chaos results. The movie chronicles their struggles, bold decisions, and unwavering friendship that withstands time and distance.
Before making its Netflix debut, Our Souls at Night made its grand debut at the esteemed Venice Film Festival in 2017. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an impressive 89% approval rating. The film received high praise from critics, who praised Jane Fonda’s powerful performance and the magnetic chemistry she shared with Redford in particular.
Addie’s son Gene, whose marriage has collapsed, drops off his son Jamie at Addie’s house at the beginning of summer. Jamie stays with Louis and Addie for the whole summer, and they also get Jamie a dog.
When Gene comes back to pick up Jamie at the end of the summer, he confronts Addie about her relationship with Louis, which he finds inappropriate given Louis’ previous affair. But Addie isn’t willing to end the relationship.
Addie is admitted to the hospital after falling at some point. Addie first rejects her son Gene’s attempts to convince her to move in with him. But she changes her mind when Jamie calls her in the middle of the night in distress.
Gene admits he has always thought Addie held him responsible for his sister’s death when she and Louis arrive at the house and discover him intoxicated. She chooses to move in with Gene and Jamie after deciding that her family must come first.
It is Addie and Louis’s last night together. She’s sleeping alone again, and so is Louis. Jamie gets a cell phone and an electric train set from Louis. She calls him after getting into bed, and they immediately hit it off like old friends.
Filming Locations
Colorado Springs and Florence served as the primary filming locations for Our Souls at Night, highlighting the scenic beauty and allure of both cities. Key scenes were filmed in Colorado Springs, which is surrounded by Pikes Peak, one of the most well-known mountains in the country.
These scenes made extensive use of two houses on West Pikes Peak Avenue. The city is well-known for its thriving cultural scene, extensive history, and picturesque surroundings, all of which add to the unique aesthetic of the movie.
Florence is a small city in southeast Colorado, and the storyline of the film fits in nicely with its charming and historic atmosphere. The movie has charm because of the well-known art galleries and antique stores it features.
The movie also includes scenes that were filmed at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, a famous landmark that was built in 1892. With its distinctive triangular shape, this architectural marvel provides a window into Denver’s colorful history. Here, two made-up characters named Addie and Louis enjoy a romantic evening that makes their otherwise mundane lives more enjoyable.
Moviegoers or those who simply want to see the places where the film was filmed should make the trip to these Colorado locations. Beyond serving as backdrops for Our Souls at Night, Colorado Springs and Florence are destinations rich in cultural attractions, historical landmarks, and breathtaking scenery.
Like the characters in the film, you could spend your stay at Denver’s renowned Brown Palace Hotel, indulging in all the luxury and culture it has to offer. Without a doubt, it would be a memorable experience.
Addie talks to Louis in the scene from Our Souls at Night. The setting is the made-up small Colorado town of Holt. The main characters of the film are Louis Waters and Addie Moore, two widowed neighbors who have lived next to one another for years but barely know one another.
One night, Addie suggests that in order to help them cope with their loneliness, they should begin spending their nights together in a platonic manner.
The movie was filmed in several actual locations throughout Colorado, despite taking place in a fictional universe. When Little London first began, Colorado Springs served as the backdrop for many of the town scenes.
Founded in 1871 by Civil War hero General William J. Palmer, Colorado Springs started out as a picturesque resort town. It has earned the title of Olympic City USA today, with more than 55 unique attractions, stunning natural settings, and exhilarating outdoor adventures.
Interestingly, Old Colorado City and Florence were also used for filming. The crew was stationed in Florence, a quaint little town that encapsulated the peaceful simplicity of Holt. An important scene was filmed in Old Colorado City, a historic district renowned for its charming stores and vintage charm.
After initially being surprised by the suggestion, Louis (Robert Redford) finally accepts, and they start their special friendship. This first scene, which shows two people figuring out an awkward situation, is heartwarming and unforgettable.
It establishes the mood for the remainder of the movie, emphasizing themes of vulnerability, friendship, and the bravery to pursue happiness no matter how old you are.
Every Colorado location used for filming, from the vast majesty of the state’s natural landscapes to the close-knit intimacy of small-town life, adds something special to the emotional impact of the finished product.
The address where Louis’s home is being filmed is 1115 W Pikes Peak Ave. in Colorado Springs. Similar to Addie’s home, this place is privately owned and not accessible from the inside. Only the exterior of the house is open to visitors, out of consideration for the privacy of the occupants.
In a crucial scene that takes place at the start of summer, Addie’s son Gene (Matthias Schoenaerts) leaves his son Jamie (Iain Armitage) in Addie’s (Jane Fonda) care due to the breakdown of his marriage.
As a result of this incident, Jamie ends up spending the entire summer with Addie and Louis (Robert Redford), which strengthens their relationship even more when they get Jamie a dog.
In Colorado Springs, at 1202 W Pikes Peak Ave., these scenes were recorded. The house that serves as Addie’s home in the movie is an authentic representation of a typical Colorado home, adding to the authenticity of the setting. Please be aware that the house is privately owned and that the public cannot enter, just like the previous one.
In a moving and unforgettable scene, Jane Fonda’s character Louis Waters (Robert Redford) extends an invitation to Addie Moore (Jane Fonda) to explore Denver’s historic Brown Palace in addition to their comfortable surroundings in Holt, Colorado.
Their relationship soars to new heights as a result of this crucial invitation. Louis and Addie spend a romantic weekend at the hotel, dancing and sharing their first kiss, among other tender moments. This scene, which represents their significant transition from friends to a budding romance, is a crucial turning point in the movie.
The Brown Palace Hotel, which is currently known as The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection, served as the real site for the filming of this lovely moment. One of the first hotels ever constructed in the atrium-style is this historic hotel located in Denver, Colorado.
Constructed in 1892 using red granite and sandstone, this hotel is the second-oldest in Denver. Prestigious and endowed with charm and character, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These days, the hotel is proud to have six outstanding restaurants and bars in addition to a quaint little Spa and salon.
Denver is easily accessible by road or the Denver International Airport for fans who would like to visit this location. After arriving in the city, take I-70 W to the Brown Palace Hotel via public transportation or by car.
The hotel is still open to the public today and provides guests with an opulent stay. But while you’re there, please keep in mind to be considerate of other visitors’ comfort and privacy.
