Summer in February, review - Telegraph Yet for Stevens, Summer in February looks more of a languid hop than a great leap. The film itself is adequate within its limits; the problem is that his character is only a subtle variation on Downton's Cousin Matthew: decent, honourable chap, one who always tries to do the right thing, but who jolly well stands his ground if you cross him. The film even shares an era with Downton's first season - shortly before the Great War. It's set on the Cornish coast, where the Newlyn School artists" colony flourishes under the erratic leadership of painter A.J. Munnings (Dominic Cooper), a shouty, self-conscious rebel with a short fuse and a taste for alcohol. Aspiring young artist Florence Carter Wood (Emily Browning) arrives from London, Munnings offers her lessons, they fall in love and make wedding plans. One senses a love triangle gradually forming and Stevens completes it, as Gilbert Evans -- kindly, reserved local land agent, army officer and somewhat implausibly, Munning's best friend. Director Christopher Menaul takes time to establish the setting. The artists are a source of mild outrage in the community. There's skinny-dipping, of course, while respectable spinsters promenading on the beach touch their cheeks in horror at the sight of an unclothed young woman spread-eagled on a rock while modelling for a painter. And how those bohos carouse: one excruciating early scene in a tavern finds Munnings holding forth, while extras clank tankards together, throw back their heads in forced laughter and generally act hearty. It's pure am-dram. After this decidedly shaky start, the script (by Jonathan Smith, working from his own novel) gathers momentum as the supporting players gradually fade away and we're left with the three leads. Even so, the impassive Florence seems an unlikely object of affection for the two men - she's both muse and blank canvas. As for Stevens (who also has a producer credit), he acquits himself acceptably, but appears to stay well within his comfort zone. If he's to advance his film career, getting himself cast against type would be a good start. Gilbert is pleasant, but dull; it's not a good sign during scenes with him and Florence when you find yourself admiring their earth-toned knitwear. In the final act, events heat up melodramatically and the chemistry between the three actors redeems the film's first humdrum hour. While Summer in February finally amounts to something, for long stretches it's picturesque but plodding. Summer in February opens in UK cinemas on Friday 14 June.