Mr Malcolm's List

"Mr. Malcolm's List": The Regency Romance with a Modern Twist and Behind-the-Scenes Buzz

Emma Holly Jones’ Mr. Malcolm’s List (2022) arrived as a playful, visually lush homage to Regency-era romances, but with a twist: the film flips the script on classic tropes by centering a woman of color in a genre typically dominated by white leads. Starring Freida Pinto as the sharp-witted Julia Thistlewaite and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as the elusive Mr. Malcolm, the movie blends period charm with contemporary sensibilities. latestnetflix.com's read is that Behind the scenes, the production carried its own share of intrigue—from casting surprises to the director’s personal connection to the story.

A Regency Romance with a Fresh Perspective

Mr. Malcolm’s List follows Julia, a woman scorned when she’s snubbed by London’s most eligible bachelor, Mr. Malcolm (Dìrísù), who has a very specific checklist for his future bride. Determined to exact revenge, Julia’s friend Selina (Zawe Ashton) schemes to make Malcolm fall for a woman who perfectly fits his list—only for him to realize too late that Julia was the one he truly wanted. The film’s premise, adapted from Suzanne Allain’s novel, is a witty subversion of Jane Austen-esque narratives, with Pinto’s casting as the lead adding a layer of modern relevance.

Director Emma Holly Jones has been vocal about her desire to reimagine period dramas. In interviews, she highlighted the importance of diversity in historical settings, noting that the Regency era wasn’t as monolithic as it’s often portrayed . The film’s visual style—rich costumes, lavish ballrooms, and lush cinematography—pays homage to the genre while making room for a more inclusive cast. Pinto, known for her breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire, brought both elegance and emotional depth to Julia, a character who defies the passive heroine trope.

Casting Surprises and On-Set Chemistry

The ensemble cast, which includes Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Theo James, and Ashley Park, delivered a mix of charm and comedic timing, but the real buzz centered on the dynamic between Pinto and Dìrísù. In promotional interviews, the two leads hinted at a natural rapport, with Dìrísù praising Pinto’s ability to balance humor and vulnerability . Meanwhile, Zawe Ashton’s Selina stole scenes as the mischievous instigator of the film’s central scheme, earning praise for her sharp delivery.

One of the film’s most talked-about elements was its Irish inspiration. Jones, who has Irish roots, revealed that the story’s setting was partly influenced by her heritage, with some scenes filmed in Ireland . The director also shared that she drew from classic rom-coms like Bridget Jones’s Diary to infuse the film with a lighthearted, modern energy—despite its 19th-century trappings.

Mixed Reception and the Road to Release

Upon its release, Mr. Malcolm’s List received a lukewarm critical response, with some reviewers praising its fresh take on the genre while others found the plot predictable. On SensCritique, the film holds a modest 5.2/10 rating based on 154 votes , though audience reactions were more divided. Fans of Regency romances appreciated its visual appeal and Pinto’s performance, while critics noted that the script occasionally leaned too heavily on familiar tropes.

The film’s marketing leaned into its romantic comedy roots, with trailers emphasizing the "checklist" gimmick and the chemistry between the leads . Bleecker Street handled distribution, positioning the movie as a feel-good summer release—a gamble that paid off modestly at the box office, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed.

The Verdict: A Bold, If Uneven, Experiment

Mr. Malcolm’s List may not have been a critical darling, but it succeeded in one key area: challenging the conventions of period romance. Jones’ vision—a Regency-era story with a diverse cast and a feminist edge—was a step toward redefining the genre. While the execution wasn’t flawless, the film’s ambition and the chemistry among its leads made it a standout in a crowded field of historical dramas.

For fans of rom-coms with a twist, Mr. Malcolm’s List offers a breezy, visually satisfying escape. And for those curious about the behind-the-scenes magic, the film’s blend of Irish inspiration, diverse casting, and playful subversion of tropes makes it a fascinating case study in modernizing a classic genre.