Falling for Figaro

Greetings again from the darkness. There aren't many Opera singer-Romantic Comedies, so that alone made this one worth checking out. Writer-director Ben Lewin (THE SESSIONS, 2012) co-wrote the script with Allen Palmer (his first feature film) and cast the film perfectly, while also gifting us an inordinate amount of beautiful singing voices, as well as a uniquely picturesque setting in the Scottish Highlands.

Danielle Macdonald (PATTI CAKE$, 2017) stars as Millie, an American who has been living in London, and establishing herself as a highly successful fund manager. After an evening at the opera with her boyfriend (and co-worker) Charlie (Shazad Latif, "Penny Dreadful"), Millie makes a life-altering decision. Rather than accept a big promotion at work, she's going to sacrifice her career and follow her dream of becoming an opera singer. Of course, as with most rom-coms, none of this really makes much sense. Rather than compare this to reality, it's best to enjoy the fun parts (and there are plenty) and disregard the rest.

Those fun parts begin once Millie leaves London and lands in the Scottish Highlands. Her first comical interaction is with the proprietor of The Filthy Pig played by Gary Lewis (GANGS OF NEW YORK, 2002). This only pub in the village also serves as its only restaurant and motel. More zaniness ensues as Millie auditions for Megan Geoffrey-Bishop (a terrific Joanna Lumley, "Absolutely Fabulous"), a "retired" singing teacher who once made her own mark on the stage. Her only current pupil is Max (Hugh Skinner, LES MISERABLES, 2002), a local who has been training for years. Max and Millie have the same goal - qualify for the 'Singer of Renowned' competition. So we immediately know where this is headed ... and sure enough, it does.

While much of the story focuses on the 'will they or won't they' connection between Millie and Max, it's Ms. Lumley who steals every scene she's in. Her theory that opera singers must suffer is part of her curriculum for both of her students. At first we aren't sure whether she's just taking Millie's money because she needs it, but that answer comes soon enough. The actual competition is packed with amazing singing voices, and the three-way love story follows many of the rom-com clichés - though we don't seem to care because Millie and Max are so torn between their dream and each other, and Ms. Lumley just keeps cracking wise.

Of course we know that opera singers train most of their lives for competitions and stage roles, so it's absurd to think that a fund manager can take a year off work and reach this level. But again, this isn't about reality. No, this is about Millie singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" like you've never heard it before. It's about "fish and chips without the vinegar". It's about not wanting to rent a room because the floor would need to be mopped. It's about opening your heart and chasing a passion - following a dream. And we can all use a little of that right now.

In select theaters and on VOD beginning October 1, 2021.

First off, Scotland is beautiful. The long shots of the crags and forests deserve a billing.

Second, if Scotland is part of the cast why only one costume? I understood the plot to suggest the preperation for the contest would take a year. Not sure if I saw early spring or late fall but don't feel I saw the whole year.

There were a number of humorous scenes in the movie but they lacked much connection and didn't do much to explain how the characters were growing through these situations.

Is it a spoiler to ask for more of Max's background? Or the nature of the relationship between Ramsey and Meghan? Or to see how Millie's growing talent and dedication transformed Meghan's cynicism into genuine belief in her students' potential?

I was happily entertained, and found I was even able to enjoy a few arias (spoiler alert - I generally tell people I appreciate all music except opera). Just disappointed that there were so many untended loose ends.

I've never been a big fan of opera as it's really long and never in english. This movie delivers the best of opera in sound bits we can handle...the pieces they perform are not only surprising but moving.

It also helps that it's just a good movie overall with good acting and a compelling storyline. Not only that it is the quintessential definition of a romantic comedy where the romance is uniquely played out in performance and the comedy comes naturally.

If you're looking for something relaxing and for sure entertaining, don't hesitate. Watched it again...too much fun!

The goal of every movie should be to entertain. I was thoroughly entertained. Yes, some things were predictable but then there was a twist that made it seem more believable.

I loved Millie. I loved Max. I loved the banter with the bar keeper. Frankly, the only thing I found implausible is that she only had 2 suitcases to last her a year in the highlands.

This was perfectly cast. Who knew I loved opera? Apparently Ben Lewin knew.

And their voices were amazing. Who did that? The actors? I don't think so. It was a trick but a good one.

Shining performances from the ever wonderful Joanna Lumely, Hugh Skinner and Danielle Macdonald. You can't help but get drawn in and ultimately lost in the story and music of this film set against the glorious Scottish countryside. Enjoy!