The biographical period drama Florence Foster Jenkins, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, airs on BBC Two tonight, October 1, at 11.05pm. The film has been hailed by critics as 'extraordinary' and a 'comic masterpiece'.
Film follows real-life New York heiress
Directed by Stephen Frears, the film is based on the life of real-life New York heiress Florence Foster Jenkins, who was a prominent figure in the New York arts scene for close to half a century. Born into a wealthy family, she took piano lessons and married Dr Frank Jenkins, a man 16 years her senior, eight days before her 15th birthday. It is believed Frank most likely gave Florence syphilis, an incurable disease at the time, and she lived with the condition for a long time.
After separating from Frank three years later, Florence kept the doctor's name, attended the Philadelphia Academy of Music, and eventually moved to New York City with the help of her father's inheritance. She met her partner and future manager, St. Clair Bayfield, at a musical recital. He kept Florence believing she was a good singer for decades out of deep affection for her and to protect her fragile health.
Star-studded cast and critical acclaim
Streep and Grant are joined by Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, Nina Arianda, Stanley Townsend, Allan Corduner, and Christian McKay. The screenplay was co-written by Nicholas Martin and Julia Kogan. The film's official plot states: “The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.”
The film holds an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It earned Streep a Best Actress Oscar nomination, received a Best Costume Design Academy Award nod, and was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Critics and audiences respond
One reviewer said: “Stellar performances from the unlikely pairing of Streep and Grant, and the awkwardly charming performance from Helberg bring to life a symphonic story of eccentricity and love.” Another added: “It's an extraordinary vehicle for Streep and could very well find her welcoming yet another well deserved Oscar nomination.”
A third critic noted: “A wonderfully eccentric character beautifully portrayed by Meryl Streep who manages to sing badly very, very well.” Another reviewer said: “Florence Foster Jenkins is the latest Meryl Streep summer comedy, and it's a pleasant, and at times touching little gem based on a true story.”
Audience reviews have been equally positive. One fan wrote: “A tragic and yet heart-warmingly beautiful tale well told, stunningly performed and spectacularly brought to life.” Another viewer said: “Meryl Streep can play anyone! And always convincingly! This movie is no exception. I also enjoyed the costuming which portrayed the era so well.”
One review reads: “It was laughter through most of the movie until a touching moment that leaves the audience a bit warm and tingly. Streep was magnificent, but then again, when has she ever disappointed?” Another fan review posted to IMDB says: “Brimming with life and vitality, Florence Foster Jenkins is a triumph! The film makers have captured all the known details of the life of this extraordinary lady, and Meryl Streep positively gleams as she captures the spirit, indomitability, passion and zest for life that her character obviously possessed.”
Florence Foster Jenkins airs on BBC Two tonight, October 1, at 11.05pm.
