Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British period drama has strong female role model, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Colour Room
What's the Story?
THE COLOUR ROOM tells the true story of Clarice Cliff (Phoebe Dynevor), who overcame the odds to become a famous ceramics artist paving the way for other women in the process.
Is It Any Good?
Unless you have a keen interest in ceramics and pottery, the chances are you won't have heard of Clarice Cliff. The British working class factory girl who went on to become one of the most celebrated ceramic artists has her story told in this period drama, The Colour Room. However, while you may be unfamiliar with who or what she achieved, her story is inspirational with Cliff -- played by Bridgerton's Dynevor -- showing both a desire and determination to accomplish her dreams, while opening the door for other women. Dynevor is great, playing Cliff with a confidence that shows she completely backs herself and is someone to be heard.
Although a rags to riches story, the movie tends to shy away from anything too downbeat. There are references to money troubles in the Cliff family home, along with a relationship breakup, illness, and a tragic death. But all are mere footnotes with no real trauma or aftermath felt or addressed. It's as though director Claire McCarthy made the conscious decision that the movie was to be feel good and feel good only. Like the colorful designs that gave Cliff her reputation, this is a film with plenty of gloss that has no interest in the cracks and shades of gray of real life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of Clarice Cliff in The Colour Room. Had you heard of her before you saw the movie? What character strengths did she display? Would you describe her as a role model? What makes a good role model?
How were women treated in the movie? How have things changed today? How have they not? What more can be done?
Discuss the amount of smoking in the movie. Why do you think so many people smoked during the time period the movie is set? How have attitudes toward smoking changed today and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2021
- Cast : Matthew Goode , Phoebe Dynevor , Rachel Shenton
- Director : Claire McCarthy
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sky Cinema
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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