Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont
Metascore
67 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
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  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tim Grierson
    50
    In its well-mannered way, this genteel film delicately keeps its platonic May-December love story from turning creepy. But without the sexual undertones and macabre humor of Hal Ashby's classic, Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is merely a soft, slightly patronizing movie about the poignancy of aging.
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    80
    The details are what matters, and thanks to a cast of all-star British elders and a mischievous sense of humor, the filmmakers bring those details to vivid life.
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    100
    It's an altogether satisfying drama -- the sort of movie some people complain they don't make anymore. So here it is; what's your excuse?
  4. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    88
    Directed with charming restraint by the acclaimed American producer Dan Ireland, the film is a quiet triumph for Dame Joan.
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    The movie is a delight, in ways both expected and rare.
  6. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    75
    The movie pulls off the trick of blurring the distinctions between romantic and platonic attractions across the generations.
  7. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    75
    Newcomer Friend, a Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike who can also be seen in small roles in "The Libertine" and "Pride & Prejudice," has a winning manner, but Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is a terrific, long-overdue vehicle for Lady Olivier.
  8. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Ruthe Stein
    75
    The casting, at least, is magical. Plowright shows both her character's strength and her heartbreaking vulnerability, sometimes at once.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    50
    The cast manages some sweet moments, and Plowright lends a touch of grace and wit to each new indignity or kindness. Yet the whole thing feels programmed; the movie's sense of humor lacks understatement.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Toddy Burton
    30
    While the compelling Plowright competently flexes her well-trained muscle, the film's melodrama too readily evokes a Lifetime Original Movie rather than subtle sentiment.
  11. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: William Arnold
    100
    A true gem: perhaps the most thoroughly charming, and completely satisfying, independent film I've seen in the past two or three years.
  12. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    83
    Plowright's performance as a genteel widow in Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is a small-scale gem, deeply felt without being in the least bit showy.
  13. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Mark Holcomb
    70
    This earnest, well-observed weepy has more depth than its genteel trappings might imply.
  14. Variety
    Reviewed by: Lael Loewenstein
    70
    A low-key drama with comedic undertones that will appeal to older auds, arthouse patrons, and Joan Plowright fans.
  15. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Stephen Hunter
    70
    It's all expectable, it's all enjoyable: British theatrical professionalism at the highest pitch.
  16. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    70
    Occasionally cloying, but the distinguished British cast (Anna Massey, Robert Lang, Georgina Hale, Millicent Martin) generates considerable gravitas.
  17. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    60
    The unabashedly sentimental film is a juicy morsel for the great British actress Dame Joan Plowright, who endows Mrs. Palfrey with stoic charm and decency.
  18. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Phil Hall
    50
    Watching these old pros elbow their way into the spotlight is the film’s finest surprise, but watching Plowright out-act them all is the ultimate joy.
  19. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Carina Chocano
    50
    As it is, Mrs. Palfrey seems to suggest the Claremont is located somewhere in the Twilight Zone. Where are the televisions? Where are the chain stores? Where are the immigrants? I see the buildings, but where is England?

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. BarbaraB.
    10
    Superb acting and lovely story. It just warms your heart.
  2. ScoutW.
    10
    I have always admired Joan Plowright, but this film sealed it -- she is truly amazing. Her performance brought tears to my eyes and an ache to my chest. Rupert Friend was also superb as her kind, senstiive and creative young friend. What a movie--best I've seen in a long while.… Full Review »
  3. JJ
    10
    Poignant story of the beauty of human connections. Joan Plowright, as always, gave a superb performance.
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