Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, drinking, drugs in wonderfully weird mockumentary.
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Lady
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LADY, young and struggling director Sam (Laurie Kynaston) is invited to the home of eccentric aristocrat Lady Isabella (Sian Clifford) to film her day-to-day life and her move into the art world. Once she's discovered her hidden artistic talent, Lady Isabella plans to compete in her own local talent show, Stately Stars—aimed at children—and showcase her art to everyone. But things take a surreal turn when her desperation to feel "seen" makes her feel like she's disappearing altogether.
Is It Any Good?
This debut feature from writer-director Samuel Abrahams is a stylish and wildly entertaining mockumentary that's smart but empathetic, surreal yet grounded in reality. As the central character in Lady, Clifford (best known for her role as Claire in Fleabag) is mesmerizing to watch—she's a chaotic mix of calculating and manipulative, clueless and desperate. She may be the "eccentric" subject of struggling director Sam's documentary, but the film blurs the boundaries between artist and muse, and draws thoughtful comparisons between the journeys of the two. It explores existential themes of people struggling to exist without outside validation, trying to be seen and find their voice, and feeling invisible, isolated, and without purpose or connection. The two characters can be manipulative and self-serving, yet neither are particularly good at following it through. They're both oddly likable, despite their desperation. And the absurdist touches and magical realist aspects only serve to make them even more intriguing and relatable individuals. It's wonderfully weird and legitimately touching—offering an unexpectedly strong vehicle for Clifford's already respected talents and an impressive debut from a promising new director.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lady as a mockumentary. How does it balance documentary cliches with intentional humor? Did you find it funny? Did it feel realistic? How does it compare to other mockumentaries you've seen?
What does the movie say about the importance of seeking outside validation and living our lives for others to see? How does it tie into social media and reality TV? Can you understand Lady Isabella's desire to be seen? Do you see how people could be taken advantage of in those situations?
What do Lady Isabella and Sam learn from each other? How does their relationship change as they get to know each other better?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain kind of language expected in a film like this?
Are drinking or drug use glamorized here? Are there realistic consequences for their use? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 2, 2026
- Cast : Sian Clifford , Laurie Kynaston , Juliet Cowan
- Director : Samuel Abrahams
- Studio : Obscured Releasing
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 7, 2026
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