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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

More Regency Romance will be found on this ‘List’

Dan Webster

Above: Freida Pinto and Sope Drisu star in "Mr. Malcolm's List." (Photo/Bleeker Street Media.)

Two more movies are opening in this part of the Inland Northwest on Friday, “Mr. Malcolm’s List” and “The Forgiven.”

“Mr. Malcolm’s List”: Following on the success of the two seasons of the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” both of which are based on the novels written by Julia Quinn, it’s no wonder that other diverse-rich Regency Romances are being filmed.

 Based on Suzanne Allain’s 2009 novel, “Mr. Malcolm’s List” is directed by Emma Holly Jones. It stars Freida Pinto, Sope Drisu and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.

While many filmmakers tend to ignore specifics about the works on which they’re screenplays are based, Allaine has said her book are far different from the racy nature of the miniseries based on Quinn’s novels.

“My books take place in the same time period as Jane Austen's novels and they're also set in England,” Allaine told Florida-based WSFU Radio. “They're similar comedies of manners and love stories. Mine are a little lighter and more comedic, more farcical as I was also influenced by writers like P.G. Wodehouse and Oscar Wilde."

And, she added, "They don't contain any adult content. There's no mature language, sex, or violence. So they can be loaned to your grandmother or pre-teen without blushing."

Note: “Mr. Malcolm’s List” is rated PG-13 “for some smoking and mild language.”

Chandler Levack of The Globe and Mail wrote, “Luckily for us, the flawed but charming ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ has Indian actress Freida Pinto as a winsome romantic lead, finally receiving her flowers in a perfectly matched role.”

Natalia Winkerman of the Boston Globe was less impressed. She wrote, “These historical embroideries – as well as an appealing, diverse cast – might make for splendid cinema if only they weren’t trapped in a confused story line that starts as a revenge scheme before veering into romance.”

Alexis Potter of the Arizona Republic, meanwhile, remains a fan. She wrote, “It's fun and romantic, with beautiful wardrobes and scenery and an outstanding cast. It checks almost all the right boxes.”

“The Forgiven”: Following a road accident in a remote part of Morocco, a wealthy couple eventually must deal with the legal and moral consequences. Directed by John Michael McDonagh, it stars Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain.

John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Scripted, directed and acted with intelligence and panache, it's a very grown-up film but never a bore, a morally alert drama that leaves the scolding to us.”

That’s it. All that’s left for you now is to go, see a movie. And enjoy.