Mr. Malcolm's List (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Mr. Malcolm's List is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Emma Holly Jones, starring Sope Dirisu as Mr. Malcolm, Zawe Ashton and Naoko Mori. It earned $2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.
- Released
- Director
- Emma Holly Jones
- Original language
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English
- Studio
- Bleecker Street Media
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Mr. Malcolm's List About?
The premise of Mr. Malcolm's List without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
When Julia Thistlewaite is publicly rejected by eligible bachelor Mr. Malcolm for failing to meet his strict list of requirements, she resolves to teach him a lesson. With a mischievous plan, she convinces Selina Dalton to pose as the perfect match, hoping to expose Mr. Malcolm’s shallow standards. However, as the charade unfolds, Mr. Malcolm finds himself genuinely falling for Selina, forcing him to question his values and consider if he’s truly found love or been cleverly deceived.
Mr. Malcolm's List Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- 1800s
- costume drama
- feel good romance
- 19th century
- love
- period piece
- english historical setting
- england
- family relationships
- revenge plot
- rich suitor
- year 1802
+38 more Show fewer
- english springer spaniel
- academy
- year 1818
- triple f rated
- london england
- bachelor
- opera performance
- army captain
- nobility
- marital proposal declined
- english cocker spaniel
- caricature
- romantic comedy
- rom com
- list of rules
- community gossip
- cousin cousin relationship
- picture gallery
- romantic rivalry
- horse auction
- matchmaker
- yoruba african people
- house party
- vicar
- apology
- pheasant hunting
- bird hunting dog
- costume ball
- locked in a room
- impersonation
- marriage proposal
- chase
- kneeling to propose marriage
- ends with a kiss
- screwball comedy
- 1810s
- woman
- based on novel
Mr. Malcolm's List Cast & Characters
Sope Dirisu leads the cast as Mr. Malcolm, with Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite and Naoko Mori as Mrs. Thistlewaite. Directed by Emma Holly Jones; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Emma Holly Jones
-
Sope Dirisu as Mr. Malcolm -
Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite - Naoko Mori as Mrs. Thistlewaite
-
Freida Pinto as Selina Dalton
Also Starring in Mr. Malcolm's List
· 6 more- Oliver Jackson-Cohen Lord Cassidy
- Ashley Park Gertie Covington
- Theo James Captain Henry Ossory
- Sophie Vavasseur Lady Gwyneth Amberton
- Divian Ladwa John
- Danielle Ryan Lady Margaret
More from Emma Holly Jones
More films directed by Emma Holly Jones: Mr. Malcolm’s List and Inside the Life of Bella Thorne.
Mr. Malcolm's List Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Mr. Malcolm's List 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).
Mr. Malcolm's List Echo Score Breakdown
Mr. Malcolm’s List delivers a competent period rom‑com that satisfies genre expectations but rarely transcends them. Critics note its polished production values and occasional charming performances, while several reviewers criticize its generic plot and uneven chemistry. Audience reactions mirror this split, with praise for visual flair and casting alongside complaints about shallow character work. Consequently, the film sits in a comfortably middling zone, offering an enjoyable but not memorable viewing experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
Regarding art and craft, the film excels in visual presentation. Critics highlight its lavish cinematography, elaborate costumes, and meticulous set design that recreate Regency aesthetics. The Portuguese reviewer commends the careful production and impressive wardrobe. However, pacing and editing receive little comment, suggesting they are serviceable but unremarkable. Overall, the technical execution is a strong point.
- Character & Emotion 65
In terms of character and emotion, performances are uneven. Variety and Empire praise the leads for delivering vibrant, emotionally resonant moments, while Entertainment Weekly and several users note weak chemistry and mechanical acting, especially among secondary characters. Some reviewers find the protagonist’s motivations thin, and dialogue is described as adolescent. The net effect is a mixed assessment of the film’s human element.
- Story & Flow 55
The story and flow are largely conventional. Critics repeatedly label the plot as by‑numbers, generic, and lacking surprise, with the Guardian and EW mentioning a dragging pace and simplistic motifs. User commentary echoes this, calling the narrative mechanical and the script under‑developed. While the premise of revenge offers occasional intrigue, the overall storytelling feels unoriginal.
- Sensory Experience 78
Sensory experience stands out as a highlight. Reviewers commend the film’s sumptuous music, vibrant soundscape, and striking visual style, noting the gorgeous dresses and ballrooms. The colour‑blind casting adds a fresh visual dimension praised by Empire. Though some sound design details are unremarked, the overall auditory and visual composition contributes positively to immersion. Consequently, the sensory elements are among the film’s most effective aspects.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch factor is moderate. The film provides light, family‑friendly entertainment suitable for casual viewing, as noted by flattenedspace and some critics. Nevertheless, its predictable narrative and lack of depth limit long‑term appeal, with users describing it as generic and lacking surprise. While fans of Regency romance may enjoy revisiting the aesthetic, broader audiences are unlikely to seek repeat viewings. Hence, replay value remains modest.
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IMDb 6.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 82%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 65 Metascore
User score 6.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 59% User score
See on TMDB -
Movie Insider 4.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Mr. Malcolm's List Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Mr. Malcolm's List from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The stunning Julia Thistlewaite finds herself at the opera with the most sought-after bachelor of the season, Mr. Jeremy Malcolm. After failing to capture his attention, she becomes the subject of ridicule in a caricature, prompting her to enlist her well-meaning but ineffectual cousin, Lord Cassidy, to uncover how she has offended Malcolm. To Julia’s dismay, she learns from Cassidy that Malcolm has a definitive list of criteria for a wife, and she does not measure up.
In a clever twist of revenge, Julia invites her dear friend, Selina Dalton, to London, determined to mold her into the ideal bride that Malcolm desires. Reluctantly, Selina begins to transform into the perfect candidate under Julia’s watchful eye.
Full summary
The whole story of Mr. Malcolm's List, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Mr. Malcolm's List Box Office
Mr. Malcolm's List grossed $2 million worldwide. $1.9 million came from the US and Canada and $138,789 (7%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$2M
- US & Canada
- $1.9M
- International
- $138.8K
Mr. Malcolm's List Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 2 trailers, 1 clip and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Trailer Official Trailer (CA)
- Clip This 1800s Love Story Is Full Of Your Favorite Actors | Mr. Malcolm's List | Refinery29
- Behind the Scenes Making of "Mr. Malcolm's List" | Super 8 mini-doc
How Well Do You Know Mr. Malcolm's List?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What activity were Julia and Mr. Malcolm engaged in when she first realized he wasn't interested?
Seen Mr. Malcolm's List?
Movies Like Mr. Malcolm's List
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Malcolm & Marie, The Lady of Scandal and Being Julia.
Mr. Malcolm's List FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Release Date
Release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Mr. Malcolm's List, each answered in a sentence.
When was Mr. Malcolm's List released?
Mr. Malcolm's List was released on July 1, 2022.
Who directed Mr. Malcolm's List?
Mr. Malcolm's List was directed by Emma Holly Jones.
More films by Emma Holly Jones Who is in the cast of Mr. Malcolm's List?
Mr. Malcolm's List stars Sope Dirisu as Mr. Malcolm, Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite and Naoko Mori as Mrs. Thistlewaite, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Mr. Malcolm's List make at the box office?
Mr. Malcolm's List grossed $2 million worldwide ($1.9 million domestic, $138,789 international).
How is Mr. Malcolm's List rated?
Mr. Malcolm's List has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.
Does Mr. Malcolm's List have a post-credit scene?
No. Mr. Malcolm's List has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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