by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Have you ever wanted a singular thing more than anything else in the world? There might have been THAT toy you wanted so badly as a child. There could be an item you need to launch a new dream or venture that could spark something special for you. Then there is something that has so much deep and resonant meaning that you feel like you could live without it. You never know when this might come about, but Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris captures this feeling so spectacularly.
But what could be so important to this sweet, spicy, and “invisible” British woman (Lesley Manville) who lost her husband to the war? She lives a meager life as a house cleaner, but one day she sees a dress in her employer’s home. THE dress. She must have it. It is so endearing to realize just how much this single article of clothing could mean to a person and to their perspective on life. The dress breathes life, and Mrs. Harris will work to the bone, gamble, and be safe to even get the chance at that opportunity. This is a touching tale of finding self-worth, overcoming the misconceptions and assumptions created by others, and shaking up a rigid class dynamic. That’s not to say this British drama is a deeply profound experience, but it is a sweet one with just enough to say.
How does co-writer and director Anthony Fabian breathe life into this whimsical tale? There is a certain charm about this film. Fabian captures a wide-eyed perspective of Paris as Mrs. Harris takes in all its glory. The score from composer Rael Jones is beautiful, joyous, and makes you feel like you are floating on air. We want to be on this journey with her… every step of the way. The narrative may be familiar, and many of the beats have been done time and time again, but there is a tenderness to how Fabian presents them. By the end, you could probably guess (most of) the outcomes of each thread and relationship, but the journey is so fun that you will probably not think much of it until maybe the credits have already rolled.
There needs to be a special lead to make such a charming character and world come to life. Manville shows a great bit of versatility in bringing Mrs. Harris to life. Her pitch-perfect accent fits her place in society and is the correct contrast with many of the high society French people she comes across. Manville breathes so much life and empathy into this character. We care for her. We care about her. We want her to succeed. The way she shifts from kind and agreeable to spicy and assertive is quite the transition, but Manville nails it every time. Without a performance, charm, and presence like Manville’s, this lead would feel too light and flat to anchor this fine little film.
Can the rest of the cast rise to the occasion as well? Isabelle Huppert is one of the world’s best actresses, and she gets a few chances to express some of that. Her character (for most of the film at least) is a bit one-dimensional and overall, just an antagonistic jerk, which is indeed the point. She does get to have a few moments as her character opens to Mrs. Harris to show some of her talents. Rose Williams and Lucas Bravo are charming enough as a pair of young people smitten with each other and supported by Mrs. Harris. Lambert Wilson provides a fine turn as a high-class Frenchman whose budding romance with Mrs. Harris might not be all it seems. Jason Isaacs is the most memorable of the supporting cast, with his brash yet gruffly charming suitor for Mrs. Harris back home. Ellen Thomas is also great as her best friend.
Does Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris rise above some familiar beats and themes to offer up a charming experience? Between Manville, the supporting cast, and Fabian, the film rises to that occasion. The world created in this little film is whimsical and wondrous. Mrs. Harris just might be one of the most charming leads you will find all year. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some harmless entertainment light on conflict.
Score: 7/10
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