Mr. Malcolm’s List Movie Review

The film starts in the year 1802. Here, we meet the young Selina Dalton and Julia Thistlewaite. They’re enrolled in Mrs. Finches Ladies Academy. We learn enough about them to realize they’ve been friends their whole lives and plan to keep it that way, but now they dream of the bright future ahead.

We’re then introduced to the biggest catch in town, Mr. Jeremy Malcolm. Jeremy is played by the talented Sope Dìrísù. Scrolling through his credits, you can see why he was chosen to play Mr. Malcolm. I don’t think anyone else could have given the role what he has. Jeremy’s confident, he’s kind, but a minute later, he can be judgmental and ferocious. However, Jeremy’s looks and money keep the women coming, regardless of his temperament. He’s on the hunt for a bride. He has the desire to bind true love and a woman with a warm heart. As it turns out, it might not be as easy as he thought. The reason for this is that he’s pretty picky and has a list of requirements that the woman of dreams must meet.

Julia, portrayed impeccably by Zawe Ashton (The Handmaid’s Tale), gets her turn with the handsome bachelor and finds him challenging to impress. At one point, her companion yawns, a bad sign for her and her reputation. She’s not happy with his obvious sign of disinterest and his lack of consideration for her feelings. Since all eyes were on him, the night and that moment were sure to be noticed by everyone. The following day, she sees that what she feared most did happen. The yawn was heard around the world. A cartoonist drew a caricature of the woman who gave the most fascinating nobleman the doldrums… HER.

Julia now fears she’s ruined. This being the case, she has no choice but to seek revenge. Not on the artist who made her a laughingstock, but on the man who rejected her. 

She enlists the help of her cousin, Lord Cassidy (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), to find out more about this arrogant snob who made a fool of her. After speaking to Jeremy about what he’s looking for in a woman, her cousin informs Julia that she was judged against a list of qualifications. Some things on the list are almost impossible to meet. Does Jeremy genuinely want to find someone?

Both not liking the idea of a list, Cassidy is easily conned into becoming a co-conspirator in Julia’s scheme. So is her old friend Selina, played wonderfully by Freida Pinto (Hillbilly Elegy). Julia believes Jeremy should get back what he gave and that having a beautiful woman turn him down is the best course of action. She has Selina come for a visit. Her beauty and charm will be the perfect bait to lure Jeremy in. Hellbent on her vengeance, Julia doesn’t notice when she’s not only like Mr. Malcolm to someone close to her, but worse.

The acting was terrific and I was taken by the chemistry between the leads… the chemistry that was so obvious that everyone could see it, whether they wanted them to or not. The choice to cast “colorblind” was unexpected, given that this is a period piece. These parts usually go to actors of European descent, people who are lighter-skinned. I thought the decision was an admirable one. Why should your skin color keep you from playing the role of an aristocrat, lord, or lady? I hope to see this type of casting happen more often. 

This was a great story that felt a bit familiar but that I enjoyed despite that fact. Bridgerton fans, this one is for you!

Mr. Malcolm’s List will be available on demand

starting Thursday, July 21st

Rent/buy on all major platforms, including Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play & Vudu