Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is often silly and rather constructed feeling but generally quite delightful with a heaping tablespoon of sweetness. While the plot often feels forced, like things happen specifically so the next thing can happen without feeling overly natural or organic, the film's charm makes this all workable. Plus there is a surprising amount of class struggle messaging that, while maybe a little on the nose, is also just delivered so effectively. 

Lesley Manville fully inhabits the lovely Mrs. Harris who is the epitome of a good person. The movie is a series of bad and good things happening to her, often quite by coincidence, and her own moral character and honest to goodness goodness wins the day time and again. Manville sells this so well with her charming portrayal. One can't help but like Mrs. Harris, just like the Marquis and the staff of the House of Dior. 

I was surprised just how much the film focused on workers' rights. This theme is hammered home throughout and the ending doesn't go to the obvious solution for Mrs. Harris which might have undercut this a bit. Instead it stays true to Mrs. Harris and her spirit. 

So while the film takes some logical liberties it is simply as delightful as Mrs. Harris herself. 

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Starring: Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Ellen Thomas, Jason Isaacs, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Lucas Bravo

Director: Anthony Fabian

Writers: Carroll Cartwright, Keith Thompson, Olivia Hetreed, Anthony Fabian