
NPR
(Norma's) voyage of self-discovery would be more compelling if it were less glib and predictable.
Full reviewOscar 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.
Less(Norma's) voyage of self-discovery would be more compelling if it were less glib and predictable.
Full reviewA film that wants to be about so many things... (but) loses both of its leading ladies in the process.
Full reviewIt's a small-scale movie, and no harm in that, but it's tidy and stagy in a fusty middlebrow way.
Full reviewThough Richardson is a delight, her verve and sexual confidence only highlight the dreariness around her. A light goes out whenever she's offscreen.
Full reviewIt all adds up to a charming, heartbreaking and heartwarming two hours of emotion-inducing entertainment.
Full reviewHandsomely 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.
Full reviewSelf-actualisation may be essential for people, but it doesn't always make for the best of drama.
Full reviewUntil 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) is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV and AroVision.
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