Florence Foster Jenkins
Directed by Stephen Frears
- comedy
- drama
The story
The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress, who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.
What it’s like
Warm, gilded and softly comic, with the glow of 1940s New York: wood-panelled rooms, pale candlelit salons, velvet and chiffon costumes, and a palette of ivory, rose and muted gold that turns to smoky grey in the city's wartime evenings. Stephen Frears frames most scenes with unhurried medium shots and two-shots, letting the actors' reactions do the work, and the period detail feels lived-in rather than showy. The sound is the joke and the heart of it: a pianist's careful accompaniment, a soprano's wild, cheerful caterwauling, and then the hush of an audience trying not to laugh. The vibe is gentle, affectionate and a little bittersweet, a comfort watch for a rainy weekend or a dinner with friends who enjoy a laugh. Pacing is easy and conversational, with the comedy building through small, awkward moments rather than set pieces. Its emotional arc follows a devoted, slightly tragic woman whose self-belief is endlessly generous, and the people around her who decide whether to protect or expose her. Mild language and social embarrassment, with no violence and nothing graphic. Suited to viewers who love character-driven period comedy, theatrical performances, and stories with a tender, humane heart.
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