NPR
(Norma's) voyage of self-discovery would be more compelling if it were less glib and predictable.
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The Chaperone (2019)
Oscar nominee Elizabeth McGovern leads this 1920s-set drama from the writer-director of Downton Abbey based on Laura Moriarty's bestseller.
The life of a Kansas woman (McGovern) is forever changed when she chaperones a beautiful and talented 15-year-old dancer named Louise Brooks to New York for the summer. One of them is eager to fulfil her destiny of dance and movie stardom; the other hopes to unearth the mysteries of her past.
Less2019Rating: PG, Coarse language108 minsAustralia, UK
DramaHistorical
- Director:
- Michael Engler (TV's 'Downton Abbey', 'Sex and the City', '30 Rock')
- Writer:
- Julian Fellowes
- Cast:
- Haley Lu RichardsonElizabeth McGovernBlythe DannerMiranda OttoCampbell ScottVictoria HillGéza RöhrigMatt McGrath
The Chaperone (2019) | Reviews
IndieWire
A film that wants to be about so many things... (but) loses both of its leading ladies in the process.
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Variety
It's a small-scale movie, and no harm in that, but it's tidy and stagy in a fusty middlebrow way.
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The New York Times
Though Richardson is a delight, her verve and sexual confidence only highlight the dreariness around her. A light goes out whenever she's offscreen.
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Stuff
It all adds up to a charming, heartbreaking and heartwarming two hours of emotion-inducing entertainment.
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New Zealand Herald
Handsomely shot, The Chaperone captures the time well, and while it touches on themes of adultery, homosexuality and sexual freedom, it's presented as a lovely, pleasant romp through a vibrant era.
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Los Angeles Times
Self-actualisation may be essential for people, but it doesn't always make for the best of drama.
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Hollywood Reporter
Until the last half-hour, it's a rather plodding process of experimentation and assimilation as Norma gains the insight and courage to seize her dreams.
Full reviewThe Chaperone (2019) | Release Details
The Chaperone (2019) is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV and AroVision.