Lance Hammer's film "Queen at Sea" delves into the difficult realities surrounding dementia, the provision of care, and the complex decisions that arise when a spouse-carer is as vulnerable as the patient. The narrative also examines whose right it is to make these decisions.
The film, which features performances from Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall, explores the nature of intimacy between a couple when one partner has dementia. It also highlights the moment this situation becomes a problem for adult children who have their own conflicting sense of responsibilities.
Set in London, the story follows Amanda, who moves closer to her elderly mother, Leslie, who has dementia, and her stepfather, Martin. A central conflict arises when Amanda accuses Martin of rape after finding him and Leslie having sex, despite a GP's advice that Leslie can no longer give meaningful consent. Martin, however, has researched information suggesting marital sex can comfort dementia patients and carers.
Amanda's decision to call the police leads to events she later regrets, including Martin being prevented from seeing Leslie and Leslie being distressed by a rape examination. The situation escalates, with the only way to suspend legal action being Leslie's placement in a care home, a move Martin fiercely resists, viewing it as a malicious attempt to force the situation.