Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Costume drama has diverse cast, some smoking and drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Mr. Malcolm's List
What's the Story?
In MR. MALCOLM'S LIST, a farcical plot unfolds in Regency England when society lady Julia (Zawe Ashton) is spurned by the eligible Mr. Malcolm (Sope Dirisu). The reason for this rejection? Because Julia doesn't meet the exacting standards on Mr. Malcolm's list. She recruits childhood friend Selina (Freida Pinto) to take revenge by pretending to be everything he desires. But can love really be manipulated so easily?
Is It Any Good?
This humorous romantic drama is a lighthearted romp through the world of courtship in Regency-era England. Mr. Malcolm's List owes a lot to both the satire of Jane Austen and the pomp of the recently successful Bridgerton in creating a production that is both very much of its historical setting, as well as the current time. All the mechanisms are there for a farcical romcom that leans heavily on society and manners, corsets, and estates, while giving its characters -- both male and female -- enough life and sparkle to keep audiences entertained through its almost two-hour running time.
A diverse cast brings strong performances to familiar roles, particularly excelling in the second half, even as the predictable outcome becomes increasingly clear. The sets and costumes look good, the tone is breezy and fun, and some of the humor sticks. All of which makes this an enjoyable addition to a genre that never seems to go out of fashion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about diversity within the cast of Mr. Malcolm's List. How did it compare to other costume dramas you might have seen? Why representation matters in kids' media.
What does the movie say about love? What do the characters learn and how does their outlook toward love change during the film?
Talk about how the movie presents drinking and smoking. How have attitudes toward smoking changed today compared to when the movie was set? Why is that?
Did you think the movie suffered from any cliches? If so, what were they?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 1, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : August 23, 2022
- Cast : Sope Dirisu , Freida Pinto , Zawe Ashton
- Director : Emma Holly Jones
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street Media
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some smoking and mild language
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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