Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

115 minutes ‧ PG ‧ 2022
Cast: Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson
Director: Anthony Fabian
Genres: Comedy, Drama

If you haven’t seen Lesley Manville yet, now is an excellent opportunity. The 2022 film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a delightful showcase of her talent. Watching Manville in this film, you quickly understand why she deserves far more recognition. She is among those rare talents who make everything look effortless, and this film perfectly showcases her skill.

The plot unfolds in 1950s London. Ada Harris is a widowed cleaning lady who spends her days putting other people’s lives in order. One day, she spots a Dior dress hanging in a client’s home, and something in her awakens — she decides she must have one of her own. Ada works tirelessly, pinching pennies, taking on extra jobs, until she finally boards a plane to Paris with her hard-earned savings. At the House of Dior, she discovers more than a stunning dress; her warmth and unwavering kindness start to melt the house’s cold exterior.

Manville is central to everything. She depicts Ada with such grace and authenticity that it never seems like she’s acting. A quiet strength underlies her gentle exterior, and from the first scene, you can’t help but root for her.

The supporting cast is just as charming. Isabelle Huppert delivers a cool and exact portrayal of Claudine, Dior’s formidable gatekeeper. Jason Isaacs offers warmth and humor as Archie, Ada’s optimistic admirer in London. Lambert Wilson embodies classic sophistication as the Marquis, while Alba Baptista and Lucas Bravo infuse a tender, youthful spirit as the young couple in love.

Director Anthony Fabian lets the story develop at a natural pace, never rushing the emotional moments. Visually, the film is stunning. Cinematographer Felix Wiedemann captures post-war London and the glamorous streets of Paris as vividly inviting environments. The Dior gowns shimmer beautifully, and each shot is rich with color, warmth, and texture.

Despite its gentle nature, the film found its audience. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris earned around $10.4 million at the domestic box office and about $31.2 million worldwide — not bad at all for a film about a cleaning lady and her dream for a designer dress.

This is a must-watch. It’s humorous, heartfelt, and visually stunning, with Lesley Manville delivering an outstanding performance. Brew a cup of tea, sit back, and let Ada Harris win your heart.