Pure joy, and yes, a few tears Let's just get it out of the way: the visuals are stunning: right this second, I am staring at the gorgeousness of Harry's red swim vest, Tanya's red suit and lipstick, set within stunning sea and sky blues, and that's the whole shot. The re-use of the printed textiles throughout the sets is special.
Meryl Streep looks like she's never had so much fun in her life, and I'm thrilled that each woman got her solo number, and the rest of the main cast is absolutely perfect in their roles . . . With one caveat: their ages.
Watching Streep, Baranski, and Walters is a celebration of women at the height of their power, and being the age now that they were then, well, it's inspiring. I don't believe that they would have performed with the same strength in their 40s or 50s. And Pierce Brosnan is so brave to have sung, all things considered.
Except for the one thing that I have to get off my chest: clearly, Donna's relationships took place in the late '60s, and she gave birth in her 20s, which makes perfect sense and which fits with the older actors' real ages. Unfortunately, Sophie's character is only 20, which should put Streep and party in their 40s.
Now, having said that, I am going to go back and suspend my disbelief and enjoy their performances for what they are, amidst the happiness of this film experience.