Roald Dahl's Esio Trot

In a quiet London apartment block, Mr. Hoppy, a shy, elderly man, secretly adores Mrs. Silver who lives below. Their polite balcony chats mask a longing he can barely articulate. Mrs. Silver adores her tortoise Alfie and laments that the little pet grows only slowly. Seizing an idea, Hoppy hatches a plan designed to make Alfie appear larger and more dignified while he finds a way to express his feelings. The scheme blends gentle deception with romance, drawing in a chorus of nosy neighbors who trade rumors and friendly advice. As the plan unfolds, a cautious romance begins to bloom, watched over by a small but hopeful community. No spoilers beyond this.

Directed by Dearbhla Walsh, Roald Dahl's Esio Trot adapts Dahl's tale for television with screenplay by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. It premiered in 2015 as a BBC One television film featuring Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Hoppy and Judi Dench as Mrs. Silver, with James Corden narrating.

Awards: The production did not receive major awards or nominations. It drew praise from viewers for its performances and faithful tone, but it did not land significant industry recognition. That said, it remains a cherished Dahl adaptation for fans.

As Dahl adaptations spread through the 2010s, Esio Trot offered a warm alternative to epic fantasy, leaning into character driven wit. It helped introduce younger viewers to Dahl’s charm through Hoffman and Dench, giving Alfie a small screen moment that fans still remember. The production also showcases a light physical humor and a British sense of community, preserving Dahl's spirit while making it accessible to a modern audience.

Critics praised the gentle performances and the film's light hearted approach to romance. Some noted the pacing as leisurely, but that suits the source material. The themes emphasize patience in love, clever problem solving, and small acts of devotion that can change a life. IMDb users rated it 6.7/10 from 124 votes.