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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Mr. Malcolm's List (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The stunning Julia Thistlewaite finds herself at the opera with the most sought-after bachelor of the season, Mr. Jeremy Malcolm. After failing to capture his attention, she becomes the subject of ridicule in a caricature, prompting her to enlist her well-meaning but ineffectual cousin, Lord Cassidy, to uncover how she has offended Malcolm. To Julia’s dismay, she learns from Cassidy that Malcolm has a definitive list of criteria for a wife, and she does not measure up.

In a clever twist of revenge, Julia invites her dear friend, Selina Dalton, to London, determined to mold her into the ideal bride that Malcolm desires. Reluctantly, Selina begins to transform into the perfect candidate under Julia’s watchful eye.

However, fate intervenes one evening when Selina unexpectedly encounters Malcolm in the orangery. Their spirited conversation about philosophy ignites an undeniable chemistry between them. During this encounter, Malcolm pleads his case that he and Julia share a weak connection, leading Selina to believe there may be more than meets the eye. An added complication arises when they come across Captain Ossery again, with whom Selina shares a prior acquaintance from her time as a companion to his aunt.

The very next day, Captain Ossery extends an invitation to Selina for a leisurely walk, officially expressing his desire to court her, as his aunt’s final note had wished for their union.

Yet, Mr. Malcolm continues his chase for Selina, and with Julia’s assistance, Selina tries to fit the mold of his ideal woman. During a fateful encounter, Julia encounters Selina’s crude cousin, Gertie Covington, claiming her as family. Later, Malcolm expresses relief that Selina is not related to such a vulgar individual, leaving Selina feeling rather upset. When Malcolm discovers the truth, he seeks to make amends with Selina, even inviting Gertie along to his country estate as he prepares to propose.

Believing Malcolm has genuinely fallen for Selina, Julia decides it’s time for her friend to turn him down. However, Selina confesses that she no longer desires to go through with the scheme, as she sees Malcolm’s honorable nature and his lack of intent to hurt Julia.

At a grand masquerade ball where Malcolm plans to propose to Selina, Julia orchestrates a scheme by having her maid detain Selina, while she masquerades in her place. When the moment arrives for Malcolm’s proposal, Julia’s deception is uncovered as she rushes off, only to be confronted by Selina, Malcolm, and Ossery. Julia, nursing her own wounds from Malcolm’s earlier rejection, reveals that Selina had been complicit in her plans, which leads to Malcolm’s anger and subsequent rejection of Selina.

The next day, burdened by guilt, Julia hatches yet another plan to reunite the estranged couple, but she is interrupted by Ossery’s heartfelt confession of love for her. Meanwhile, Malcolm and Selina find themselves alone in the garden, where an accusation unfolds, leading Selina to express her anger and wish Malcolm well with his list of criteria.

After Julia extends her apologies, Selina prepares to return home. However, Malcolm’s mother holds her son accountable for Selina’s departure, disclosing that she had orchestrated their intimate encounter in the garden. In a determined effort, Malcolm races after Selina, presenting her with a new list of qualities he seeks in a wife, which conveys only one fundamental desire: “Selina Dalton.”

Timeline

Track the key events of Mr. Malcolm's List (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Julia's Failed Encounter

Julia Thistlewaite attends the opera with the charming Mr. Jeremy Malcolm, hoping to catch his eye. Unfortunately, she fails to attract his attention and becomes the subject of mockery in a caricature, pushing her to seek answers about her shortcomings.

Opera House

Seeking Counsel

In her quest for understanding, Julia consults her cousin, Lord Cassidy, to discover how she has offended Mr. Malcolm. She learns that Malcolm has specific expectations for a wife, which leaves her feeling inadequate and desperate.

A Plan for Revenge

Determined to get back at Jeremy, Julia invites her friend Selina Dalton to London for assistance. She aims to remold Selina into the ideal bride that Malcolm desires, believing that this will help her gain his favor.

London

An Unexpected Meeting

During an evening in the orangery, Selina unexpectedly meets Mr. Malcolm, leading to a spirited conversation about philosophy. Their connection deepens, causing Selina to question the validity of Julia's tactics against him.

Orangery

Captain Ossery's Suit

The following day, Captain Ossery invites Selina for a walk, revealing his intentions to court her based on a wish from his aunt. This new romantic interest complicates Selina's relationship with Malcolm but adds an exciting element to her summer.

Malcolm's Pursuit

Despite Selina's blossoming connection with Captain Ossery, Mr. Malcolm continues to pursue her. Julia assists Selina in fitting Malcolm's list of ideal traits, further entangling them in a web of romantic tension.

Family Relations

During an encounter, Julia meets Selina's aunt's crude cousin, Gertie Covington, whom she inadvertently claims as family. Malcolm later expresses relief that Selina is not connected to Gertie, causing Selina to feel hurt about the implication.

Malcolm's Proposal Plan

After realizing his mistake, Malcolm seeks to make amends with Selina and even invites Gertie to his country estate, hinting at an impending proposal. Julia grows increasingly anxious, fearing that her friend may get hurt in the process.

Country Estate

A Masquerade Scheme

At a grand masquerade ball, Julia hatches a plan to have Selina detained while she takes her place to receive Malcolm's proposal. However, Julia's deception leads to unexpected twists when Selina confronts her at the crucial moment.

Masquerade Ball

Unraveling the Deception

As Julia’s ruse is uncovered, an emotional confrontation ensues between Julia, Selina, and Malcolm. Julia, heartbroken from her own rejection, reveals that Selina was complicit, leading to Malcolm's anger and his rejection of Selina.

Guilt and Reflection

The day after the ball, Julia is burdened with guilt and considers a new plan to reunite Selina and Malcolm. Before she can act, Captain Ossery professes his love for her, adding complexity to Julia's emotional turmoil.

Confrontation in the Garden

Malcolm and Selina find themselves alone in the garden, where a heated accusation leads Selina to express her anger towards Malcolm's list of criteria. This pivotal moment forces both characters to confront their true feelings.

Garden

A Mother's Intervention

Julia tries to apologize, but before she leaves, Malcolm's mother reveals that she encouraged Selina’s emotional encounter with her son. This unexpected intervention prompts Malcolm to realize his feelings for Selina.

A New List of Qualities

In a final effort to win Selina back, Malcolm races after her and presents a new list of qualities he seeks in a wife, which, much to Selina's surprise, states only one desire: her name. This moment signals Malcolm's realization of his true affections.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Mr. Malcolm's List (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Julia Thistlewaite

Julia is a stunning and ambitious socialite who longs for the admiration of Mr. Malcolm. Her cunning nature leads her to devise a plan to secure Malcolm's affection through her friend Selina. Despite her initial manipulations, she learns valuable lessons about love and honesty as the story unfolds.

👗 Socialite 🕵️‍♀️ Cunning

Selina Dalton

Selina is portrayed as a kind-hearted friend who undergoes a transformation due to Julia's guidance. Torn between her own feelings and the expectations set by others, she ultimately seeks to embrace her true self. Selina's journey reveals a depth of character and a quest for genuine love.

❤️ Kindness 👩‍❤️‍👨 Romance

Mr. Malcolm

Mr. Malcolm is the dashing bachelor at the center of the romantic turmoil. He is portrayed as discerning and principled, maintaining a list of qualities he seeks in a wife. His character is complex, revealing layers of vulnerability as he navigates the complications of affection versus expectation.

💼 Bachelor 🧐 Discerning

Captain Henry Ossory

Captain Ossory is portrayed as a steadfast gentleman who has a prior connection with Selina. His character serves as a counterbalance to Malcolm, representing devotion and honor. His heartfelt pursuit of Selina adds a layer of sincerity to the intricate web of romantic entanglements.

⚓ Gentleman 💖 Devoted

Setting

Uncover the settings of Mr. Malcolm's List (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Regency Era

Set during the Regency Era, a time marked by a flourishing of arts, literature, and distinctive fashion. Society was highly structured, with an emphasis on courtship and marriage, and a strict hierarchy influenced by wealth and class. This period fostered romantic ideals while highlighting the challenges that women faced in navigating social expectations.

Location

London, Country Estate

The movie takes place in London, a vibrant city known for its rich history, culture, and social dynamics during the Regency era. The country estate represents a quintessential element of British aristocracy, showcasing scenic landscapes and grand architecture, where many pivotal moments of romance and social gatherings unfold.

🏛️ City 🌳 Countryside

Themes

Explore the core themes of Mr. Malcolm's List (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Love & Deception

The movie explores the theme of love intertwined with deception as Julia's schemes create complications in relationships. Both Selina and Julia grapple with their feelings, leading to a mix of manipulation and genuine affection. Ultimately, the quest for true love prevails over superficial ideals.

📜

Social Expectations

Social expectations play a crucial role in the story, as characters navigate societal pressures surrounding marriage and desirability. The rigid criteria set by Mr. Malcolm reflect the broader constraints women faced at the time, shaping their identities and choices in pursuit of love.

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