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Parents' Guide to

Falling for Figaro

By Tracey Petherick, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Uplifting opera romcom has positive messages, iffy language.

Movie NR 2021 104 minutes
Falling for Figaro Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

byricr
byricr Parent of 16-year-old
January 17, 2022
age 14+

Follow Your Dreams!

I enjoyed this movie mostly for the music! This young lady drops everything and follows her dream. My only real negatives are several F words throughout and a few discreet sexual situations. While nothing is really shown, you know what’s going on.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

FALLING FOR FIGARO follows the story of Millie (Danielle Macdonald), a successful fund manager who leaves her boyfriend and their home in London to follow her dream of becoming an opera singer. She heads to a small town in the Scottish Highlands to take lessons from former professional singer Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop (Joanna Lumley) who agrees to train her for the "Singer of Renown" competition. Settling into village life, she meets Max (Hugh Skinner) and they grow to like each other -- but their friendship is tested when they are pitted against each other at the singing contest.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This delightful movie has all the ingredients needed to make a delicious romantic comedy. Falling for Figaro is uplifting and joyful, tugging on the heart strings just enough, while throwing in some mild jeopardy to keep us hooked. Stunning Scottish scenery, a stirring opera soundtrack, and a warm, funny script set the tone for this gently inspiring story.

Macdonald is perfectly cast as Millie, balancing drive and determination with positivity and empathy, while Skinner is delightful as Max, struggling with his demons yet full of compassion. Even the fearsome, potty-mouthed Meghan (expertly played by Lumley) can't bring the mood down. As the bitter former diva, Meghan's intimidating and sharp-tongued, but also strangely likable, giving us glimpses of her softer side. There's nothing ground-breaking going on here, what with the confident American meeting the self-conscious Brit in a "follow your dreams" plotline. But it really doesn't matter because the end result is thoroughly enjoyable escapism.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the characters in Falling for Figaro. Which of them are positive role models and why? Did you relate to any of them? What character strengths did these characters show?

  • Talk about the strong language used in this movie. Was it excessive or appropriate for the story and the characters?

  • This movie is all about following your dreams. Did you find it inspiring, or did it seem unrealistic? Talk about your own dreams. What do you aspire to be or do?

  • There is some diversity in terms of body shape and size amongst the characters. Why is representation in movies important?

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