Mr. Malcolm's List

In early 19th-century England, societal norms dictate the behavior and expectations of its members, particularly when it comes to love and marriage. Mr. Malcolm's List is a charming romantic comedy that follows the story of a young woman, Julia Quinn (Gemma Chan), as she navigates the complexities of courtship with a mysterious and enigmatic suitor, Mr. Malcolm (Sope Dirisu). Julia, a beautiful and vivacious young woman, has been courted by several suitors, but she remains elusive and unimpressed by their advances. Her friends and family are eager to see her married, as it is considered the ultimate goal for a woman of her status. However, Julia is not interested in settling for just any man. She is searching for someone who shares her intelligence, wit, and passion for life. It is during a ball, where Julia is being courted by several men, that she catches sight of Mr. Malcolm for the first time. He is a wealthy and handsome gentleman with an air of mystery surrounding him. Despite his reserved nature, Julia is drawn to him and accepts his invitation to a private dinner, where they engage in a lively conversation and display their intellect and wit. As Julia spends more time with Mr. Malcolm, she begins to sense that there is more to him than meets the eye. He is a man of contradictions, with a charming and sophisticated exterior, but beneath the surface, he seems to be hiding secrets. Julia is intrigued by his mystery and decides to take a chance on him. However, Julia soon discovers that Mr. Malcolm has a list, a list of demands that he expects his future wife to fulfill. These demands include the ability to recite a Shakespearean sonnet upon request, the capacity to appreciate a well-made soufflé, and the willingness to engage in polite conversation with his family friends, even if she finds them tedious. Julia is taken aback by Mr. Malcolm's list, as she realizes that he is not as interested in getting to know her for who she is, but rather in selecting a partner based on a set of superficial qualities. She feels as though she is being judged and evaluated, rather than being treated as an individual. Despite her reservations, Julia decides to play along, hoping to win Mr. Malcolm over and uncover more about his true nature. She begins to fulfill his demands, showcasing her intelligence, wit, and passion for life. As she does so, she finds herself falling for Mr. Malcolm, but at the same time, she is beginning to realize that she may not be the right fit for him. As the story unfolds, Julia and Mr. Malcolm engage in a game of cat and mouse, with Julia trying to outsmart him and Mr. Malcolm trying to keep his true nature hidden. Along the way, they develop a strong connection, but their differing expectations and values threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, Julia's friends and family are eager to see her married off to Mr. Malcolm, as they believe that he is a good catch. However, Julia is not convinced, and she begins to question whether she is making a mistake by pursuing a relationship with him. In the end, Julia must decide whether to continue her relationship with Mr. Malcolm, despite his list and his unattainable expectations, or to walk away and take a chance on someone who truly understands and appreciates her. The story is a delightful exploration of the complexities of love and relationships, and the ways in which societal norms can both support and undermine our deepest desires. Throughout the film, Gemma Chan shines as Julia Quinn, bringing a sense of intelligence, wit, and determination to the role. Sope Dirisu is equally captivating as Mr. Malcolm, conveying the complexity and nuance of a character who is both charming and frustrating. The supporting cast, including Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Freida Pinto, add depth and humor to the story, making Mr. Malcolm's List a charming and delightful romantic comedy. Ultimately, Mr. Malcolm's List is a film about self-discovery and the importance of being true to oneself. It reminds us that relationships should be built on mutual respect, trust, and communication, rather than a set of superficial expectations. As we watch Julia navigate her complicated feelings for Mr. Malcolm, we are reminded of the importance of being brave, taking risks, and following our hearts, even if it means going against the status quo.