To Olivia (2021)
A tender biographical drama about Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal, bound together by love, creativity, and unimaginable grief.
To Olivia - Movie Information
- Original Title: To Olivia
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: John Hay
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 19, 2021 (Australia - M)
- Alternative Titles: Per a Olivia (ES)
- Production Companies: Atticus Pictures, Goldcrest Films, Align, Lipsync Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
To Olivia - Plot
In 1962, Patricia Neal and Roald Dahl retreat to the English countryside to bring up their young family. The seemingly unlikely pair find their relationship put to the test by a tragic loss.
To Olivia - Trailer
See the emotional story of Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal unfold in the official trailer:
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To Olivia - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Hay
Main Cast
- Hugh Bonneville
- Keeley Hawes
- Sam Heughan
- Michael Jibson
- Sam Phillips
- Bobby O'Neill
- Darcey Ewart
- Geoffrey Palmer
- Conleth Hill
- Brett Fancy
Writers
- John Hay
- David Logan
Producers
- Elliot Jenkins
- Martin Metz
- Donall McCusker
- Nick Quested
To Olivia - FAQs
What is To Olivia about?
To Olivia tells the true story of writer Roald Dahl and actress Patricia Neal, played by Hugh Bonneville and Keeley Hawes. Set in 1962, it follows the couple as they settle into English countryside life and face the devastating loss of their young daughter Olivia, testing their bond to its limits.
Is To Olivia based on a true story?
Yes, To Olivia is rooted in real events. Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal's daughter Olivia died in November 1962 from measles encephalitis at just seven years old. The film draws on this deeply personal chapter of their lives, exploring how grief shaped their relationship and Dahl's later advocacy for measles vaccination.
Where can you stream To Olivia?
You can stream To Olivia on Amazon Prime Video or Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer free options, check out Kanopy and Hoopla.
Why did Roald Dahl write a book for Olivia?
After Olivia's death, Roald Dahl channelled his grief into writing. He dedicated his 1961 children's book James and the Giant Peach to her, and later wrote Danny the Champion of the World in her memory. The film explores how her loss profoundly shaped his creative life and his drive to protect other children.
Who plays Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal?
Hugh Bonneville, best known from Downton Abbey, plays Roald Dahl, while Keeley Hawes, celebrated for her roles in Bodyguard and The Durrells, portrays Patricia Neal. Sam Heughan of Outlander fame also appears as Paul Newman, a close friend of the couple.
Is To Olivia worth watching?
If you're drawn to intimate, emotionally honest biographical dramas, To Olivia is well worth your time. Bonneville and Hawes deliver quietly powerful performances, and the film handles grief with rare sensitivity. It offers a moving glimpse into a side of Roald Dahl rarely seen beyond his beloved children's stories.
What is the real story behind Olivia Dahl's death?
Olivia Dahl died on November 17, 1962, from measles encephalitis — a complication of measles that causes brain swelling. She was seven years old. At the time, no measles vaccine was available in the UK. Her death moved Roald Dahl to write a public letter urging parents to vaccinate their children once the vaccine became available.
Where was To Olivia filmed?
To Olivia was filmed primarily in the United Kingdom, capturing the pastoral English countryside setting that defined Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal's life together in the early 1960s. The production design evokes the warmth and quiet of their Buckinghamshire home, known as Gipsy House, with period-accurate detail.
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