I wasn’t sure what to expect from Mr. Malcolm’s List, but I did hope it would be funny, romantic, and reminiscent of Jane Austen. After watching it in theaters, I’m pleased to say it went beyond my expectations, and I highly recommend it. I laughed and smiled all through the film and can’t wait to see it again.
Director Emma Holly Jones and screenwriter Suzanne Allain did an excellent job with this period romantic comedy.
Before diving into my full review, here’s what you need to know about this amusing new romantic period drama.
MR. MALCOLM’S LIST BOOK BY SUZANNE ALLAIN
Mr. Malcolm’s List is adapted from a Regency Romance novel by Suzanne Allain, who also wrote the screenplay. The novel received excellent reviews, being described as a witty, Austen-like romp.
The book’s official synopsis introduces The Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm, who is searching for a wife that meets his specific qualifications. As matchmaking mothers and debutantes try to catch his eye, he grows frustrated by his failed attempts. Then Selina Dalton arrives. Though she’s a vicar’s daughter with limited means, she captivates Mr. Malcolm, even as she becomes a pawn in her friend Julia Thistlewaite’s scheme for revenge. Selina, however, has her own standards and demands Mr. Malcolm reveal his true self.
I plan to read the book to compare it with the movie, especially since the author herself wrote both.
MR. MALCOLM’S LIST TRAILER
The trailer highlights the film’s romantic elements but also its comedic aspects, largely thanks to the performances by Zawe Ashton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
OFFICIAL MOVIE DESCRIPTION
When Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) fails to meet a requirement on Mr. Malcolm’s (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) list of qualities for a wife, she is rejected by London’s most eligible bachelor. Embarrassed and seeking revenge, she convinces her friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) to woo Mr. Malcolm and expose his absurd list. But as Mr. Malcolm starts to wonder if he’s found his ideal woman, questions arise about whether the romance is real or a clever hoax.
CAST OF MR. MALCOLM’S LIST
The film’s cast is notable for its diversity, drawing positive comparisons to Bridgerton and Hamilton. The actors were chosen for their talent, adding a fresh take to the Regency setting.
Freida Pinto portrays Selina Dalton, a smart and likable character akin to Elizabeth Bennet. Ṣọpẹ Dirisu plays Mr. Jeremy Malcolm, an eligible bachelor with high standards. Other key actors include Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite, Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Julia’s amusing cousin Lord Cassidy, and Theo James as the charming Captain Henry Ossory. The supporting cast also delivers memorable performances, making the film delightful to watch.
MR. MALCOLM’S LIST REVIEW
Mr. Malcolm’s List offers a lavish period romantic comedy experience, filled with superb acting, witty dialogue, vibrant visuals, colorful costumes, a fitting musical score, and enchanting love stories that satisfy rom-com fans.
Although it’s not a Jane Austen adaptation, the film features elements reminiscent of Austen’s work, such as witty and wholesome storytelling free of risqué scenes. It blends aspects from Austen’s novels like Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Mansfield Park, while being more romantic comedy than social satire.
Suzanne Allain’s screenplay is cleverly written and leans more towards fun rather than seriousness, while Emma Holly Jones’s direction shows great potential. The cast excels in their roles, enhancing the entertaining and romantic narrative despite the film’s modest budget.
THE STORY
Julia Thistlewaite and Selina Dalton have been friends since childhood despite their different social standings. After being humiliated by Mr. Malcolm, Julia schemes to have Selina pose as his perfect woman. However, the plot backfires as Selina and Mr. Malcolm genuinely start developing feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Julia engages in a flirtation with Captain Henry Ossory, while her cousin Lord Cassidy seeks everyone’s happiness.
THE PERFORMANCES AND ROMANCE
The enchanting performances and romanticized setting of Regency London are the heart of Mr. Malcolm’s List. The chemistry between Freida Pinto and Ṣọpẹ Dirisu brings Selina and Mr. Malcolm’s romance to life, with Pinto and Dirisu’s nuanced acting deepening the emotional connection. Oliver Jackson-Cohen’s portrayal of Lord Cassidy adds humor, while Zawe Ashton’s performance as Julia and Theo James as Captain Ossory provide intriguing subplots.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
With its engaging romance, strong performances, thoughtful direction by Emma Holly Jones, witty script by Suzanne Allain, beautiful costumes by Pam Downe, and music by Amelia Warner, Mr. Malcolm’s List is an absolute joy to watch. Fans of Emma, An Ideal Husband, The Personal History of David Copperfield, or Austenland will likely enjoy it.
The film, shot entirely in Ireland, offers a visually appealing and uplifting escapist rom-com about true love and friendship.
Content Note: The film is rated PG for mild language and smoking.
MR. MALCOLM’S LIST – WHERE TO WATCH
Mr. Malcolm’s List is streaming on Showtime and available for purchase or rent on Digital and DVD.
WATCH THE ORIGINAL SHORT FILM
If you want more of Mr. Malcolm’s List, you can watch the original short film directed by Emma Holly Jones, which inspired the full-length movie. It features most of the same cast except for Gemma Chan, who stars as Miss Thistlewaite.
