Mr Malcolm's List, a 2022 historical drama inspired by Jane Austen, has been quietly added to BBC iPlayer, drawing comparisons to Downton Abbey and outperforming adaptations like Persuasion and Bridgerton in viewer praise.
Plot and Cast
Directed by Emma Holly Jones and written by Suzanne Allain, the film adapts Allain's novel, which was heavily influenced by Austen's works. Set in 1800s England, the story follows Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton), who is rejected by eligible bachelor Jeremy Malcolm (Sope Dirisu) for failing to meet his list of ideal bride qualities. Julia recruits her friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) to exact revenge, leading Jeremy to question if he has found true love or is being deceived.
The cast also includes Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Park, Theo James, Divian Ladwa, Naoko Mori, Sophie Vavasseur, Sianad Gregory, Doña Croll, Paul Tylak, and Dawn Bradfield.
Critical and Audience Reception
The film holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 117 reviews. One IMDb user called it a "masterpiece," adding it is "better than Bridgerton." Another viewer said, "This is how Persuasion should have been adapted." A third praised it as "much like Downton Abbey," offering "nice escapism." The film's lavish styling, acting, and Irish filming locations—including Newbridge House, Powerscourt Estate, and Castletown House—received particular acclaim.
Availability
Mr Malcolm's List is available for free on BBC iPlayer after airing on BBC Two, but it will expire on Sunday, July 26. According to the BBC, the film was predominantly shot on location across Ireland, utilizing historic manor houses and country estates.
