Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, salty British romcom about dealing with grief.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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And Mrs
What's the Story?
In AND MRS, Gemma (Aisling Bea) is preparing for her wedding to fiancé Nathan (Colin Hanks), when he unexpectedly dies. Determined to see through the promise she made to him, she vows to marry Nathan anyway, taking on the concerns of those close to her, mixed public opinion, and centuries-old laws.
Is It Any Good?
Comedian-turned-actor Bea weds her natural comedy charm with some convincing dramatic acting in this odd but enjoyable British romcom. The premise of And Mrs is a touch bizarre—a woman determined to marry her dead fiancé—but somehow the movie sidesteps anything too uncomfortable or schmaltzy, instead offering plenty of humor and some well-earned emotional moments. The supporting cast are another bonus, with Hanks the sweet, dedicated other half, popping up mostly in flashbacks, and Billie Lourd's reliably likable screen presence offering a warm side to Nathan's otherwise chaotic sibling. Peter Egan also makes an impact as Gemma's concerned but stoically supportive dad, as does Susan Wokoma as her fun-loving friend. There are a few cliched moments of running through streets against the clock and a song bookending the story that risks falling into pretty cheesy territory. But the themes of grief, regret, understanding, and acceptance make enough impact to keep the movie on track. Pushing two hours, it goes on a little long, but the strong cast and well-judged tone make this an enjoyable and surprisingly poignant film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of grief in And Mrs. How did Gemma react to the loss of her fiancé? How was her grief portrayed? What did others think of the way she attempted to deal with her feelings of loss? Why is it important to acknowledge that people grieve differently?
Would you consider the movie a romantic comedy? How did the death of one half of the central couple affect the way the movie played out? What plot points and themes were similar to other romcoms and what were different? Can you think of other movies in this genre that deal with the death of a partner? How do they compare?
In what ways did other characters show their love and support for Gemma? Which do you think had the most impact? What ways are there to show support and compassion to someone who's experiencing grief?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it feel appropriate for the type of film it was? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : September 27, 2024
- Cast : Aisling Bea , Colin Hanks , Billie Lourd , Susan Wokoma
- Director : Daniel Reisinger
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Vertical
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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