‘Masterpiece’ period drama is ‘better than Persuasion and Bridgerton’ | Films | Entertainment

A “delightful” period drama has been quietly added to BBC iPlayer. If tennis and football aren’t quite your thing this summer, you might want to head over to the BBC’s free streaming platform and lose yourself in 1800s England instead. Mr Malcolm’s List is a 2022 historical drama film helmed by director Emma Holly Jones and penned by Suzanne Allain. The film draws upon Allain’s novel of the same name, which was heavily inspired by the works of Jane Austen.

The story centres on a young woman in 1800s England who assists her friend in seeking revenge on a suitor who spurned her for failing to satisfy the requirements on his list of qualities for an ideal bride. Julia Thistlewaite is cast aside by eligible bachelor Jeremy Malcolm, prompting her to recruit her closest friend, Selina Dalton, to help settle the score, leaving Jeremy questioning whether he has stumbled upon genuine love or an elaborate ruse, reports the Mirror.

Zawe Ashton, Sope Dirisu and Freida Pinto headline the cast as Julia, Jeremy and Selina, respectively, alongside Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Park, Theo James, Divian Ladwa, Naoko Mori, Sophie Vavasseur, Sianad Gregory, Doña Croll, Paul Tylak and Dawn Bradfield.

The film is currently available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer, following its broadcast on BBC Two at the weekend. Viewers don’t have long to watch, however, as the listing is due to expire on Sunday, July 26.

Mr Malcolm’s List was predominantly shot on location across Ireland, making superb use of numerous grand historic manor houses and picturesque country estates. Notable filming locations include Newbridge House in Dublin, Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, and Castletown House in County Kildare.

The lavish period drama currently holds an impressive 83% rating on the renowned review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, drawn from 117 reviews. Audiences have equally heaped praise upon the film, with one IMDb user enthusing: “I truly loved this masterpiece of a film. I’d even go so far as to say it’s better than Bridgerton.”

Another added: “I really enjoyed this film on account of the fine acting, exquisite styling, direction and impeccable locations, lighting etc. Gorgeous picturesque Dublin countryside.” A third remarked: “As a Jane Austen fan this was the perfect movie for me. Went with my daughter and she loved it too. Not only is the story good but love the diversity of the cast!”

A fourth viewer shared the enthusiasm, commenting: “Charming period romp. Mr. Malcom’s List was delightful. I read the book in one day and the movie met my expectations. It was as fabulous as the book. It’s so breathtaking and beautiful.”

Yet another viewer observed: “This is how Persuasion should have been adapted. I love Bridgerton and I love this. Stellar cast. A delightfully effervescent regency romp,” while one further reviewer concluded: “Much like Downton Abbey, the story is nice escapism that makes you wish people still talked and lived so purely.”

Mr Malcolm’s List is available to stream on BBC iPlayer until Sunday, July 26