PLOT: Ada Harris is a widow earning her living cleaning the homes of the wealthy. After discovering a couture Dior gown at one of her clients, she dreams of saving up her money and buying a fancy dress of her own.
REVIEW: I don’t care about fashion, including Christian Dior, or the many other notable designers who have made headlines. I’ve never fully understood the appeal. This fact is abundantly clear if you look at my wardrobe. Even films about the occasionally pretentious industry rarely excite me. That is, except for a gem of a new movie opening today called Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. The idea of watching a woman swoon while gorgeous gowns are on display has rarely been more entertaining than it is here. Directed by Anthony Fabian and based on the novel by Paul Gallico, Mrs. Harris was first adapted for the 1992 TV movie Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris, starring Angela Landsbury. The current film features Lesley Manville in the title role, and she is sublime.
Ada Harris (Manville) is a lonely widow who makes her living cleaning the homes of the wealthy. When one of her employers brings home a gown by Christian Dior, Harris is mesmerized. Desperate to finally do something for herself, she begins to save up her money in hopes of visiting the House of Dior in Paris and buying a fancy dress. Unfortunately, the sweet-natured woman has a run of bad luck. Yet she still finds sympathetic friends in a gentleman named Andre Fauvel (Lucas Bravo) and a Dior model Pamela Penrose (Rose Williams). Yet it’s the “by the books” Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert) who isn’t taken in by the kind woman from London. Will she get the dress she fantasized about, or will it be a painful reminder of her station in life?
Sometimes a movie brings out the best in all of the talent involved. And this is one of those times. Lesley Manville is sensational as a kind and selfless woman looking for some personal joy. The Academy Award-nominated actress (Phantom Thread) brings an exceptional warmth to her portrayal. It is bliss to witness. As mentioned, the moment it appears that all her dreams are coming true at the House of Dior is a delightful display. The actress manages to bring so much to Ada Harris. Her interactions with the rest of the cast appear to be out of a whirlwind romance. Had it been a less accomplished actress, perhaps it wouldn’t have worked this well. Thankfully, Anthony Fabian found the perfect talent to take on the role.
Another inspired addition is the casting of Lucas Bravo (Emily in Paris) and Rose Williams (Reign, Curfew). The two actors bring a sense of old-school Hollywood back effortlessly. Bravo’s Fauvel is enchanted by Williams’ Penrose, so much so that he’s terrified to reveal his feelings. The two share such marvelous chemistry that you find yourself fully invested in their romantic interludes, in addition to Ada’s story. Bravo and Williams give such beautiful performances that it almost feels like a classic Hollywood romance come true. And while Huppert’s ice-cold Colbert feels detached from Ada, the legendary actress still manages to bring a bit of heart to the character. Finally, the always reliable Jason Isaacs gives much-needed decency to the story as Ada’s friend Archie.
Fabian – credited as co-writer with Carroll Cartwright, Keith Thompson, and Olivia Hetreed – has done a marvelous job with this adaptation. In addition to the impressive casting, the filmmaker does a fine job of bringing this period to life. He and cinematographer Felix Wiedemann paint an elegant and lively picture of the UK and Paris. As well, the feature moves quickly and never wears out its welcome. Mrs. Harris is a crowdpleaser of a flick in the best of ways. It’s also nice to see a mature woman headlining this kind of romantic fable. With Focus Features having success with the engaging Downton Abbey films, it’s fantastic to see more stories like this explored as elegantly as was here.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris may be the feel-good movie of the summer. The casting of Manville, Bravo, Isaacs, Williams, Hubbert and even an enjoyable turn by Alba Baptista help tell an inspiring story. Anthony Fabian’s take on fashion, the class system, and a dear woman named Ada are easily some of the best surprises of the summer. If you are looking for something special, something that has a massive heart, you’ll likely appreciate Mrs. Harris’ inspired adventures. While it may not have the blockbuster appeal that you often find this time of year at the multiplex, it’s an excellent change of scenery. So join Ada Harris, and get your ticket. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris opens today, and it’s easily one of my favorite films of 2022 so far.
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