Mr. Malcolm’s List: Film Review
If you’re like me and have a Bridgerton-shaped hole in your life then the period romantic comedy Mr. Malcolm’s List might be just what the doctor ordered.
Set in the Regency era in 1818, the film stars Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite, a woman who is spurned by London’s most eligible bachelor Mr. Malcolm (Sope Dirisu) because she didn’t meet all the requirements on his list for his wife. With her reputation in tatters, Julia calls upon her good friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) to visit her in London and enchant Mr. Malcolm – ticking all his boxes on the way – and then humiliate him as he did to Julia. Surprise surprise, her scheme doesn’t quite go to plan!
This movie gave me so many Bridgerton vibes, from the colourblind casting to all the talk of promenades, seasons and dance cards. I also wouldn’t have understood the significance of an unmarried man and woman being seen in a room alone in that era if it wasn’t for the Netflix show so I think my love for Bridgerton helped immensely here. The film is also clearly inspired by the work of Jane Austen and so I imagine Austen fans will enjoy this a lot.
Mr. Malcolm’s List is amusing and I laughed out loud a few times, particularly at Ashton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen as her cousin Lord Cassidy, but I wanted it to be funnier. Given the ridiculousness of the scheme, I had hoped that the film would be more cheeky, irreverent or absurd but it takes itself more seriously than that, although there are some moments of humour throughout.
Ashton is funny but frustrating as the outraged and scorned Julia, who is desperate to restore her reputation and prospects at any cost. Pinto plays the sweet, innocent and sympathetic Selina and Dirisu is the snooty gentleman Mr. Malcolm. Jackson-Cohen is the most entertaining of them all as Cassidy and it was nice to see him playing such a nice guy. Rounding out the cast is Theo James as Selina’s charming acquaintance Captain Henry Ossory and Ashley Park as the annoyingly shrill Gertie.
Mr. Malcolm’s List is a lovely film that satisfied my hunger for more Bridgerton – I just wish it was a bit funnier.
In selected cinemas from Friday 26th August
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