Written and directed by Samuel Abrahams, co-written by Miranda Campbell Bowling, Lady Isabella, aspires to be in the spotlight, and local talent show ‘Stately Stars’ provides her a break. However, high pressures and a loss of self, lead to a surreal situation on her grand estate. Starring: Sian Clifford, Laurie Kynaston, Juliet Cowan and Olisa Odele.
An exceptional piece of comedy cinema will make you laugh from start to finish, whether that be out loud, a chuckle, a smirk or otherwise, and Lady absolutely achieves that. The consistency that Samuel Abrahams and Miranda Campbell Bowling create with the comedy throughout the film is phenomenal. The dialogue is brilliant, the speed and the ingenuity of it creates such fantastic banter and sarcasm. It’s genuinely and unabashedly funny but that’s not entirely what makes Lady special, it’s also what that comedy lays the groundwork for.
Abrahams and Bowling set this wonderfully silly tone to disarm the audience before leading them into a sincerely moving story of grief, processing your emotions and self-confidence. What they’ve built is a superb example of the importance of sympathy. Coming from such different backgrounds can instigate a lot of judgement and preconceptions, a knee-jerk reaction that hinders you from actually getting to know a person. Lady portrays that in such a lovely way, capturing how it can be such a life-changing and eye-opening experience to challenge your perceptions and to make a true, unexpected connection with another person.
Abrahams employs a blend of styles that really embraces the variety and depth to the story. Beginning with that mockumentary foundation which is the rock of Lady but never being limited to it. Bringing in extra touches to expand outside of the initial genre and tone, it’s deceptively simple, and very well thought out. Another example of that is the score (from Jonny Woodley), for this type of highly ridiculous, overt comedy, it’s not often you find such a strong, affecting score sitting atop it. So, it’s a real pleasure to find it here as it elevates the film even further.
Speaking of things that add immense value, there’s then the cast, who are such a spectacular, intimate and intelligent ensemble. Firstly, Sian Clifford is beyond outstanding, her performance as Lady Isabella is perhaps one of the best comedic performances of all time. She’s hilarious right from the second she appears onscreen and never falters for a moment. On top of that she then opens up this character to add such striking emotion and vulnerability, it’s a remarkable and unforgettable portrayal.
To then pair her with Laurie Kynaston was a great piece of casting, they’re such an unlikely duo and work impeccably well together. They push each other and jab at each other in very satisfying and funny ways. As Sam, he balances out Lady Isabella’s eccentricities and yet doesn’t undermine them, there’s plenty of space for both of them. He’s impatient yet empathetic, determined yet broken, ultimately making them the perfect pairing. Juliet Cowan is then the cherry on top as Becky, accenting scenes perfectly and adding even more comedy. The three of them all deliver such pitch perfect timing.
With Lady, Samuel Abrahams and Miranda Campbell Bowling have created something truly excellent and endlessly captivating. It is one of the best comedies in recent years, it’s perfectly British and unbeatably hilarious. The banter is top-notch, both the writing and direction are firing on all cylinders consistently throughout the film. Sian Clifford is astonishing, this role showcases everything she has to offer, how she can be so wonderfully funny but also devastating, it’s incredible.
The film also has a big heart and is a lovely expression of the power of sympathy and creating genuine connection with another person, in their time of need. With how few British comedies make it to the big screen in today’s landscape, here’s hoping this one gets the release it deserves because it’s a sincere delight and we need more cinema like this.
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