MR. MALCOLM’S LIST hits theaters on July 1st. This PG rated period piece was a blast to watch. Funny and romantic with pop off the screen characters. This is always a popular genre, but not all films capture the right vibe. This clever story of one man’s search for just the right woman checks off all the right boxes.
Synopsis: When she fails to meet an item on his list of requirements for a bride, Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) is jilted by London’s most eligible bachelor, Mr. Malcolm (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù). Feeling humiliated and determined to exact revenge, she convinces her friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) to play the role of his ideal match. Soon, Mr. Malcolm wonders whether he’s found the perfect woman…or the perfect hoax.
The film starts strong and hooks you in immediately.
It was smart to introduce Julia early. Ashton delivers a funny character who steals every scene she is in. She is slightly spoiled yet doesn’t come across as entitled. She feels jilted and wants revenge. Though the measures she takes might seem mean – and are – you like her too much to be super mad.
Mr. Malcolm likewise is not a character you dislike. In fact the more you get to know him, as Selina does, the more you understand his reasoning. His name is in the title but to be honest he often takes a back seat to his two female costars. Possibly due to his laid back and quiet mannerisms.
Selina has to be the glue for this project to work. She walks in both Malcolm’s and Julia’s world. Her friendship with Julia is strong, but as she gets to know Malcolm she isn’t quite sure what they are doing is right. Freida is beautiful and charming and the perfect fit for this sweet character.
The period is captured nicely too.
There is something endearing about the polite society of that era. Sure everyone was not always polite behind your back, but there was still a sense of chivalry and moral conduct that makes these films so popular. Writer Suzanne Allain and director Emma Holly Jones do a wonderful job of capturing that time on paper and on screen.
MR. MALCOLM’S LIST is a delightful film and highly recommended for all.
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