Ethel & Ernest (2016)

Ethel & Ernest poster

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Brenda Blethyn
Directed by: Roger Mainwood

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains MAJOR spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: The animated adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ graphic novel about the lives of his British parents, Ethel (voiced by Brenda Blethyn) and Ernest (voiced by Jim Broadbent) during many notable events.

Cartoon Cats: When Ethel and Ernest tour what is to be their home after their wedding, they are greeted by a pretty black cat whom Ernest warmly greets as Puss.

Ethel & Ernest - black cat on back yard fence

Ethel & Ernest - black cat rubbing against Ernest's leg

Ethel & Ernest - black cat sitting by Ethel & Ernest in back yard

The black cat is present at various parts of the film, such as when Ernest builds a back yard bomb shelter.

Ethel & Ernest - black cat on fence behind bomb shelter

Ethel & Ernest - black cat sitting on top of bomb shelter

Later Raymond (as a teenager) greets the cat as Susie. Since Ethel and Ernest were married for over forty years, it is doubtful the previous cats were all the same, but Susie is the pet cat who remains for the rest of the film.

Ethel & Ernest - Raymond Briggs greeting black cat Susie

Susie is seen resting on the back of the couch while Ethel and Ernest watch television.

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie lying on back of couch behind Ethel & Ernest

She is also present in the garden as the two sit and talk.

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie approaching back door with Ethel outside and Ernest inside

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie lying on back of couch behind Ethel & Ernest

Toward the end of the film, Ethel has sadly passed away and Ernest depends on Susie for company, letting her rest on his shoulders as he eats, watching television with him and sleeping on Ethel’s pillow.

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie lying across Ernest's shoulders

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie lying across Ernest's shoulders at table

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie climbing on back of Ernest's chair

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie lying on pillow beside Ernest

One day Ernest cries out in pain, clutching his stomach. Susie jumps down and meows with concern. Ernest tells her not to worry. Sadly Ernest died of stomach cancer. Susie is not seen again.

Ethel & Ernest - black cat Susie jumping down from Ernest's shoulders as he cries in pain