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Romantic comedy

Falling for Figaro (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Falling for Figaro (2021) movie poster

Falling for Figaro is a 2021 romantic comedy directed by Ben Lewin, starring Danielle Macdonald as Millie Cantwell, Shazad Latif and Joanna Lumley. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $1.1 million worldwide. It won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Best Original Music Score at the AACTA Awards 2022. Critics gave it 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
73%
worldwide gross
$1.1M
award won
1
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Falling for Figaro (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Director
Ben Lewin
Genres
Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Falling for Figaro About?

The premise of Falling for Figaro without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A young fund manager, yearning for a career change, leaves city life behind to study opera in the Scottish Highlands. There, she trains under a renowned vocal coach and finds herself immersed in a world of intense competition. While striving for the prestigious "Singer of Renown" title, she encounters Max, a fellow student and unexpected rival. Their initial animosity evolves into a surprising and deeper connection as they navigate the challenges of their artistic pursuits.

Falling for Figaro Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • singer
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Cast & crew

Falling for Figaro Cast & Characters

Danielle Macdonald leads the cast as Millie Cantwell, with Shazad Latif as Charlie and Joanna Lumley as Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop. Directed by Ben Lewin; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Falling for Figaro

· 7 more
From the director

More from Ben Lewin

More films directed by Ben Lewin, best-rated first: Please Stand By, The Catcher Was a Spy, The Sessions and Lucky Break.

Full filmography
Ratings

Falling for Figaro Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Falling for Figaro 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 61/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (45).

61 /100

Falling for Figaro Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Falling for Figaro delivers a modestly appealing experience that hinges on its musical charm while struggling with conventional storytelling and limited visual ambition. Critics note a formulaic plot and uneven pacing, yet several reviewers commend the film’s warm tone and earnest performances. The consensus reflects a mixed-to‑positive reception, with strengths in sound and character work offset by narrative predictability, yielding a solid but unremarkable score.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of direction, cinematography, and editing, the film exhibits a straightforward, serviceable style that rarely ventures beyond standard genre conventions. Critics point to a lack of visual flair and a muted production design, while a few reviewers note occasional competent craft. Overall, the technical execution is adequate but unexceptional, contributing modestly to the film’s appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When evaluating acting and character dynamics, the ensemble receives generally favorable remarks. Macdonald and Lumley are repeatedly highlighted for nuanced performances that elevate the material, and several critics acknowledge effective chemistry despite a predictable romance. Conversely, a minority of viewers cite unconvincing pairings and uneven character depth. Collectively, the performances constitute the film’s most persuasive element.

  • Story & Flow 45

    Regarding plot and pacing, the narrative is frequently described as formulaic and predictable, with critics noting sluggish momentum and familiar romantic tropes. While some reviewers appreciate the film’s modest ambition and sincere tone, the consensus underscores a lack of originality and engaging structure. Consequently, the story component detracts from the overall experience.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The film’s auditory elements receive the strongest acclaim, with multiple reviewers praising the operatic soundtrack, vocal performances, and overall musical integration that enriches the romantic setting. Sound design is described as vibrant, and the score is deemed a highlight that sustains audience engagement. Visual style, though not emphasized, aligns adequately with the light‑hearted tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Rewatch value is bolstered by the film’s pleasant music, light comedic moments, and approachable charm, leading several viewers to describe it as an enjoyable repeatable experience. Predictable storytelling slightly tempers enthusiasm, yet the affectionate performances and upbeat atmosphere encourage multiple viewings for fans of romantic comedies. Overall, the movie sustains modest lasting appeal.

Plot

Falling for Figaro Plot Summary

What happens in Falling for Figaro from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

American fund manager Millie Cantwell, whose life-long dream is to become an opera singer, quits her lucrative job in London just after being offered a promotion. Deciding to take a year to make it, she moves away from her boyfriend Charlie and travels to the Scottish Highlands for intense vocal training from former opera diva Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop.

Patricia Hartley from the London conservatory suggests Millie contact the retired diva to train for the annual competition Singer of Renown in hopes of winning a spot in an opera company. She convinces her to give her an audition by offering a very high hourly rate for lessions. Her only other student Max Thistlewaite who, unable to pay in cash, works around her cottage.

Full summary

The whole story of Falling for Figaro, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Falling for Figaro Box Office

Falling for Figaro grossed $1.1 million worldwide. $35,910 came from the US and Canada and $1 million (97%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.1M

US & Canada
$35.9K
International
$1M
US & Canada 3% Rest of the world 97%
Awards

Falling for Figaro Awards & Nominations

Falling for Figaro won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Best Original Music Score at the AACTA Awards 2022.

1 win2 nominations1 ceremony

Videos

Falling for Figaro Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

FALLING FOR FIGARO Trailer In Cinemas 2021 starring Danielle Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Joanna Lumley
  • Trailer Falling for Figaro - trailer (starring Danielle Macdonald, Hugh Skinner & Joanna Lumley)
  • Trailer Falling for Figaro - Official Trailer | HD | IFC Films
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Falling for Figaro?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Millie's lifelong dream?

Cars

Cars in Falling for Figaro

4 cars on screen, including the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2017 Honda CR-V.

  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Falling for Figaro 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Important role
  • 2017 Honda CR-V in Falling for Figaro 2017 Honda CR-V Background role
  • 2018 Subaru Crosstrek in Falling for Figaro 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Background role
  • Toyota 4Runner in Falling for Figaro Toyota 4Runner Background role
Details

Falling for Figaro Also Known As

22 alternative titles, including “Figaro Aşkı” and “Un romance con Figaro”.

Also known as
  • Figaro Aşkı
  • Un romance con Figaro
  • フィガロに恋して
  • Procurando Fígaro
  • Verrückt nach Figaro
  • Lehit'a'hev Be'Figaro
  • Įsimylėjusi Figaro
  • Miłość i Figaro
  • Певица на всю голову
  • Un romanç amb Figaro
  • 愛上費加洛
  • Apaixonada por Fígaro
+10 more
  • 爱上费加罗
  • Луда за Фигаром
  • להתאהב בפיגארו
  • Un romance con Fígaro
  • En busca de Fígaro
  • Nefret Oyunu
  • 피가로~피가로~피가로
  • Zamilovaný Figaro
  • Enamorada de Figaro
  • Figova svatba

Seen Falling for Figaro?

FAQ

Falling for Figaro FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Falling for Figaro, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Falling for Figaro?

Falling for Figaro runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was Falling for Figaro released?

Falling for Figaro was released on October 1, 2021.

Who directed Falling for Figaro?

Falling for Figaro was directed by Ben Lewin.

More films by Ben Lewin

Who is in the cast of Falling for Figaro?

Falling for Figaro stars Danielle Macdonald as Millie Cantwell, Shazad Latif as Charlie and Joanna Lumley as Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Falling for Figaro make at the box office?

Falling for Figaro grossed $1.1 million worldwide ($35,910 domestic, $1 million international).

How is Falling for Figaro rated?

Falling for Figaro has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.

What awards did Falling for Figaro win?

Falling for Figaro won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Best Original Music Score at the AACTA Awards 2022.

Does Falling for Figaro have a post-credit scene?

No. Falling for Figaro has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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