I can think of no better escape from the heated dog days of summer in a midterms year than an hour and fifty-five minutes in a chilly theater with popcorn and Mrs. Harris.
This film has no mention of the multiverse or hammer-wielding heroes, just the charming delight of grand British actress Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) as a widowed, cleaning lady from London who dreams of buying a couture dress in Paris.
The last time most of us saw Manville, she was in her Oscar-nominated role of a shrewd, high-fashion insider in The Phantom Thread. In a jaw-dropping turn, Manville plays the opposite role here — sparring with Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher) as Mrs. Colbert, the snooty gatekeeper at Christian Dior. Spoiler alert, she does go to Paris.
Although there are surprises along the way, it's fair to note that this fairy tale story has a predictable ending that you can see from miles away. Camera shots that hang on way too long in the first act tell you all you need to know about act three. It doesn't matter; I already want to see the film again this weekend.
The delight of the film exudes from Manville's charismatically authentic performance, director Anthony Fabian's attention to detail, a stunning peek into the lavish house of 1950s Dior and the contagious giddiness around the idea of pursuing a somewhat silly dream.
Ahh, an ode to dreams of all sizes. It's the escapist film we've been waiting for and my favorite of the year so far.
In a nutshell: Manville dazzles and inspires in a wistful fantasy rom-com
Award potential: It may be too comedic and slight for serious Oscar contention but Manville and Huppert should be considered. I expect they'll be on all the shortlists and do well in any Comedy/Musical category (if there is a Golden Globes this year).
Where to see it: In theaters, starting Friday, July 15.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
This film has no mention of the multiverse or hammer-wielding heroes, just the charming delight of grand British actress Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) as a widowed, cleaning lady from London who dreams of buying a couture dress in Paris.
The last time most of us saw Manville, she was in her Oscar-nominated role of a shrewd, high-fashion insider in The Phantom Thread. In a jaw-dropping turn, Manville plays the opposite role here — sparring with Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher) as Mrs. Colbert, the snooty gatekeeper at Christian Dior. Spoiler alert, she does go to Paris.
Although there are surprises along the way, it's fair to note that this fairy tale story has a predictable ending that you can see from miles away. Camera shots that hang on way too long in the first act tell you all you need to know about act three. It doesn't matter; I already want to see the film again this weekend.
The delight of the film exudes from Manville's charismatically authentic performance, director Anthony Fabian's attention to detail, a stunning peek into the lavish house of 1950s Dior and the contagious giddiness around the idea of pursuing a somewhat silly dream.
Ahh, an ode to dreams of all sizes. It's the escapist film we've been waiting for and my favorite of the year so far.
In a nutshell: Manville dazzles and inspires in a wistful fantasy rom-com
Award potential: It may be too comedic and slight for serious Oscar contention but Manville and Huppert should be considered. I expect they'll be on all the shortlists and do well in any Comedy/Musical category (if there is a Golden Globes this year).
Where to see it: In theaters, starting Friday, July 15.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.