Universal Pictures’ Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is based on Paul Gallico’s novel of a similar title, Mrs. Arris Goes to Paris, which Angela Lansbury starred in an adaptation for in 1992. The 2022 adaptation, however, starring Lesley Manville as the titular character, is undoubtedly one of the most wholesome films in recent years, bringing something incredibly warm to our screens with heart, humor, and memorable performances. The story follows Ada Harris on an impromptu trip to Paris after she decides to raise money to buy herself a Dior dress. While some at Dior are unkind to her at first, everyone grows a little kinder and a bit more open throughout the film.

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Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is the type of film brimming with hope at every turn, and while it might not be an awards season contender, it’s one of the few films from 2022 that many film enthusiasts can appreciate, whether the genre is one they frequently enjoy or not. In its simplicity and quiet excavation of how humanity can grow in the face of challenges, the film leaves viewers behind with a timelessly hopeful message: “We need our dreams. Now more than ever.”

It’s Wholesome

     Universal Pictures

The premise of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is relatively simple, but the character’s desires behind it make it entirely wholesome. At its core, the film is about spreading kindness far and wide because it’s the right thing to do and because humanity’s survival depends on how we treat others. There are several instances throughout where Mrs. Harris’ attitude toward others makes her the kind of character who’s comforting to watch for viewers as well as for those experiencing her warmth firsthand. When no one else flinches after a model falls, Ada helps her up. When the staff at Dior initially dismisses her, she fights back with grace. She’s open and honest and so giving, but like Ted Lasso, for instance, not all characters are worthy of her goodness, and yet, she bestows it anyway.

Ada Harris’ journey to Paris might be about a dress, but the story takes the older woman through such innocent means of exploration that even her choice to befriend people at the airport is wholesome because it’s not something many would do. It’s a story that ultimately showcases that the kindness you put into the world will be repaid tenfold when necessary, showcasing that one person’s goodness could inspire a sea of love to spread far and wide.

The Performances are Memorable

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is stacked with a glowing cast, and at the top of the list is Lesley Manville, whose smile and charismatic embodiment will stay with you for ages. Anytime the character expresses delight, it’s a sight to behold, leaving viewers with the kind of joy that’s infectious. Manville embodies the character’s heart, mannerisms, and resistance with such ease that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the character. Jason Isaacs also stars as a charming Archie, whose gradual growth throughout the film is both subtle and believable. And though she deserves more screen time, Ellen Thomas stars as Ada’s best friend, Vi Butterfield, the type of confidant whose presence is an outright marvel.

Further, while many fans might recognize Portuguese actress Alba Baptista from Netflix’s untimely canceled series Warrior Nun, she is transcendent in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris as the Dior model Natasha, longing to study philosophy. And although Lucas Bravo isn’t a stranger to shows that take place in Paris, considering he stars as Chef Gabriel in Emily in Paris, his charming warmth and innate goodness as André, the accountant, also leaves a mark. Finally, Isabelle Huppert’s Claudine Colbert as Dior manager shines brilliantly alongside Manville as she hides nuances behind her tough exterior that tell us that there’s more than meets the eye. Every performer, whether on the screen for a considerable amount of time or a few minutes, waltzes in with the awe-inspiring comfort that the runway Dior showcase presents, making the film better and more memorable.

The Hopeful Message Is Timeless

Whether we hear a message once in our lifetimes or every single day, the world could always use the reminder that dreams matter. Dreams keep ambitions alive, and people motivated, no matter if they’re waiting for a war to end or a pandemic. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris brings this message to life beautifully by showing us the gradual changes Ada experiences while doing this one thing for herself after losing her husband in the war. Viewers watch as she brings the goal to fruition by not only sharing the dream with those she loves but by demonstrating that in her own conquest, she’s helping those around her chase theirs as well.

Mrs. Harris isn’t the only one with big dreams, but André’s vision to expand Dior essentially makes it the company we know today (fictitiously, of course), and Natasha finds the courage to believe in the fact that she could do far more with herself by pursuing the desires close to her heart. Thus, by the time the film ends, the primary theme that centers around following one’s dreams leaves viewers with the belief that struggles will be worth it one day when one remains steadfast in their journey. It’s a simple message — as dazzlingly coded and as beautifully shot as the film — but like Mrs. Harris, the character, it’s mighty in the resilience it conveys.