I have never minced words about my love for period dramas, especially one centred around the Regency era and lifestyle. Movies like this remind me of Jane Austen's books and similar fictions. You know, a lifestyle of class, the wealthy being recognized above all, gossip determining the course of their lives and influencing their choices, deceptions surrounding every ballroom and the characters striving to make a 'better' match in marriage.
Mr Malcolm's List (2022) is a romance drama set in the 19th century and based on a novel by Suzanne Allain. It focuses on a popular younger son of an earl who is eligible for marriage. Every single lady in England wants him for his wealth.
However, to protect his heart so he doesn't make a mistake, he comes up with a famed list that the 'woman of his dreams' must meet. The fascinating question becomes —does he find this perfect lady? Or will he have to adjust his list to make room for human imperfections after a lady he disregarded because she fell short of his list decides to give him a taste of his medicine?
Review
This movie is fascinating, cheery and enjoyable if you are into period dramas. The thrills of demure courtship, societal etiquette, costumes and masquerade balls are all glamorously displayed. I enjoyed how this movie deftly analysed and showcased the 18th to 19th centuries' view on marriage. In other words, it's no longer about love but about setting a standard and expecting another person to fit into it. It also involved matchmaking.
The director did an excellent job. The cinematography was impressive, especially the picturesque scenery and display of England's elegant architecture.
The Cast
One distinct thing I noticed about this movie and which I'm sure some viewers may disagree with is that most of the main characters are played by people of colour. Though in reality, this would not have happened in England in the 19th century I understand the director's desire for diversity. This reminds me of another historical drama series, Bridgerton created by Shonda Rhimes.
The cast of Mr Malcolm's List is superb and they did an outstanding job. They performed in sync to enliven the Regency era and lifestyle through their dialogue, charm and of course, their costumes.
Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù who played Mr Malcolm gave life to the character. He carried himself in a way that any wealthy, noble and eligible bachelor would. I particularly find the roles of Julia Thistlewaite (played by Zawe Ashton) and her cousin Lord Cassidy (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen) very humorous.
I admire Selina Dalton's (played by Frieda Pinto) courage and stand. She did not allow her friend to push her beyond what she could take and she boldly stood up against Malcolm in his arrogance.
Altogether, I enjoyed this movie. It's one I'll recommend for a quiet, relaxing evening with a bowl of popcorn.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie