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. Also starring Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Park, with Theo James.
A funny rom com that starts off as a revenge movie but turns out to reap romantic benefits for two couples. Mr. Malcolm is a stuffy, conceited aristocrat who is looking for a bride and taking giddy women out on dates and discarding them as fast as he can make the next appointment.
The outings are extravagant, but Mr. Malcolm is a very fastidious bachelor who never seems to be satisfied. Julia grew up poor but had the chance to move to London and improve her circumstances. She leaves behind her best buddy, Selina, but sends for her after she is publicly dumped by Mr. [Jerimiah] Malcolm.
Selina vows to help Julia embarrass Mr. Malcolm but starts to fall for the polite gentleman. Selina proves to be a suitable match for Mr. Malcolm and they traipse about the countryside as a viable couple. Soon, Julia becomes jealous although she has taken up with Captain Henry Ossory, a longtime friend who has shown a current interest.
A masquerade ball hosted my Mr. Malcolm and his mother turns the tables on everything. Julia is her vindictive self and works to derail Selina’s cozy relationship. She is successful until Mr. Malcolm sees the errors of his stern ways, and he’s able to salvage his relationship. Julia wins the consolation prize and continues her relationship with the Captain.
I enjoyed this film, as it was filled with exciting moments and Mr. Malcolm was quite a dapper fellow.
Available on demand July 21.
Directed by Emma Holly Jones
Written by Suzanne Allain
Produced by Laura Rister, Laura Lewis, Katie Holly, Emma Holly Jones
Starring Freida Pinto, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Park, with Zawe Ashton, and Theo James.
Take a look at the trailer.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association ‘Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood—South Side of Chicago (lulu.com) or email: [email protected].
