Mr. Malcolm’s List: The Jane Austen-Inspired Period Drama Now Streaming On BBC iPlayer
Looking for a lighter period drama with romance, revenge and plenty of Regency-era intrigue? Mr. Malcolm’s List has quietly arrived on BBC iPlayer, giving viewers a chance to revisit the 2022 historical romance before it leaves the platform on Sunday, July 26.
Directed by Emma Holly Jones and written by Suzanne Allain, the film is adapted from Allain’s novel of the same name, which was heavily inspired by the works of Jane Austen.
With an ensemble led by Zawe Ashton, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Freida Pinto, the film combines matchmaking, social expectations and a revenge plot against the backdrop of 19th-century England.
A Rejected Woman Sets A Revenge Plot In Motion
At the heart of the story is Julia Thistlewaite, a young woman who believes she has found a suitable match in wealthy bachelor Jeremy Malcolm.
But Malcolm has a detailed list of qualities he expects in a future wife, and Julia fails to meet one of his requirements. He rejects her, leaving Julia humiliated and determined to get even.
She turns to her close friend Selina Dalton, asking her to help carry out an elaborate plan. Selina is instructed to present herself as Malcolm’s ideal woman and make him believe he has finally found the perfect match.
The scheme seems straightforward — until genuine feelings begin to complicate the deception.
Soon, Malcolm must decide whether Selina is truly the woman he has been searching for or whether he has fallen into an elaborate hoax.
A Modern Jane Austen-Style Romance
Although the story is set in the Regency period, Mr. Malcolm’s List approaches its world with a playful and contemporary sensibility.
The film draws on familiar themes associated with Austen-inspired romances: marriage, social status, reputation, courtship and the pressure placed on women to meet society’s expectations.
Its tone is lighter than many traditional period dramas, balancing romantic misunderstandings with comedy and a revenge story that gradually becomes more complicated as the characters’ feelings change.
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives the film an 83% Tomatometer score from 117 reviews, with its critics’ consensus describing it as an entertaining, diversely cast homage to Jane Austen’s work.
A Star-Studded Cast
Zawe Ashton plays Julia, while Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù stars as Jeremy Malcolm and Freida Pinto portrays Selina Dalton.
The cast also features Theo James as Henry, Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Lord Cassidy and Ashley Park as Gertie Covington.
Other supporting performers include Divian Ladwa, Naoko Mori, Sophie Vavasseur, Sianad Gregory, Doña Croll, Paul Tylak and Dawn Bradfield.
The combination of romance, comedy and a diverse ensemble has been one of the film’s defining characteristics since its release.
Filmed Among Ireland’s Historic Estates
Despite being set in 19th-century England, much of Mr. Malcolm’s List was filmed in Ireland.
Production began there in March 2021, with the filmmakers making use of historic houses, gardens and estates to create the film’s Regency-era world.
Among the filming locations were Newbridge House in Dublin, Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow and Castletown House in County Kildare. Castletown House, in particular, was used as the setting for Jeremy Malcolm’s family estate.
The locations contribute heavily to the film’s visual appeal, providing the grand houses, gardens and countryside that define its period setting.
Viewers Have Praised Its Escapist Charm
The film has also attracted enthusiastic reactions from audiences.
Some viewers have praised its acting, costumes, cinematography and locations, while Jane Austen fans have highlighted the film’s familiarity with the author’s romantic style.
One audience member went so far as to call it “better than Bridgerton,” while another praised its picturesque scenery and performances.
Others have described it as a “delightful” period romance and appreciated the combination of a familiar Austen-inspired story with a diverse cast.
Not every reaction has been equally enthusiastic, but the film has developed a following among viewers looking for a light, visually rich period romance. Rotten Tomatoes currently records an 82% Popcornmeter score from more than 100 verified ratings.
Catch It Before It Leaves BBC iPlayer
Mr. Malcolm’s List originally arrived in cinemas in 2022 and runs for 1 hour and 57 minutes.
It is currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer after its recent BBC Two broadcast, but the BBC listing is scheduled to expire on Sunday, July 26.
For viewers who enjoy Jane Austen-inspired romances, lavish period settings and stories built around complicated courtships, Mr. Malcolm’s List offers a breezy alternative to heavier historical dramas — and its limited window on BBC iPlayer makes the timing especially relevant.