Movie Review: Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris (2022)

Genre: Dramedy  

Director: Anthony Fabian  

Starring: Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Lucas Bravo  
Running Time: 115 minutes  

Synopsis: In London of 1957, middle-aged cleaning lady Ada Harris (Lesley Manville) finally comes to terms with the wartime death of her husband. After spotting an expensive Dior gown in a client's wardrobe, Ada saves every penny and travels to Paris, intent on buying a haute couture dress for herself. Her planned one-day quest extends into a whirlwind week, as she gets involved with House of Dior staff members including the stern directress Mme Colbert (Isabelle Huppert), thoughtful accountant André Fauvel (Lucas Bravo), and unhappy model Natasha (Alba Baptista). Ada also attracts the attention of widower Marquis de Chassagne (Lambert Wilson).

What Works Well: The adaptation of Paul Gallico's 1958 novel is a winsome collection of good intentions traversing cultural and class divides. Definitely sweet and fluffy but without stepping over sentimentality limits, the narrative explores later-in-life opportunities for romance, unlikely friendships, the role and meaning of expensive fashion, and the economic and sometimes exploitive realities behind glitzy facades. Impressively, Mrs. Harris' adventure even encompasses the business imperative to evolve. Lesley Manville's central performance stems from subtle yet pragmatic steeliness, while the pleasing aesthetics of late-1950s London and Paris neighbourhoods add visual appeal.

What Does Not Work As Well: Some sequences surrender to Dior advertorials, while the running time unnecessarily drags towards the two hour mark.

Key Quote:

Mme Colbert: A Dior dress is designed to astonish. How would you do that, Mrs. Harris?



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