Learning to Drive is a 2014 drama film directed by Isabel Coixet, starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley. The film explores themes of personal transformation, cultural differences, and mutual understanding. It is based on Katha Pollitt's 2002 personal essay of the same name, published in The New Yorker. The screenplay was written by Sarah Kernochan. The story follows the intersecting lives of a New York book critic and an Indian immigrant driving instructor. The film premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.

Plot

The story centers on Wendy Shields, a middle-aged book critic living in New York, who embarks on a journey to rebuild her life after her husband leaves her. Determined to regain her independence, Wendy decides to learn how to drive. In this process, she meets Darwan Singh Tur, a Sikh immigrant from India working as a driving instructor. Through their growing friendship, the film portrays how two individuals from vastly different cultural and social backgrounds can profoundly impact each other’s lives through empathy and mutual respect.

^{Learning to Drive – Official Trailer (YouTube)}

Cast

• Patricia Clarkson - Wendy Shields
• Ben Kingsley - Darwan Singh Tur
• Jake Weber - Ted
• Sarita Choudhury - Jasleen
• Grace Gummer - Tasha
• Matt Salinger - Peter

Production

The screenplay is based on Katha Pollitt’s autobiographical essay. Filming took place in New York in 2013. The film was particularly noted for the on-screen chemistry and performances of Clarkson and Kingsley. Director Isabel Coixet chose a simple narrative style to address themes such as urban life, immigrant identity, and female empowerment.

Thematic Structure

Learning to Drive revolves around themes such as personal freedom, the courage to start over, women’s self-sufficiency, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Through Wendy’s character, the film emphasizes that personal growth has no age limit, while Darwan’s story explores immigration, sacrifice, and the questioning of traditional values. The film stands out as an example of how differences can be bridged through friendship and understanding.

Awards

• 2014 Toronto International Film Festival – People’s Choice Award (First Runner-Up)
• 2015 Imagen Awards – Best Supporting Actress (Sarita Choudhury)
• 2015 Women Film Critics Circle – Best Female Representation (Nomination, Patricia Clarkson)