 Steven Oxman of "Variety" observed that "despite delightful performances from a star-studded cast, the film's thoroughly predictable storyline and low-key charm are ultimately more a sedative than a tonic".He added, "Alan Plater's screenplay is pretty thin ... and director Gillies Mackinnon can't manage to make the finish as feel-good as it needs to be ...The soundtrack's nice, Richard Greatrex's cinematography is nice, and the acting is quite nice.