Jane Austen-Inspired Period Romance ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ Is Winning Over Fans — And Some Say It’s Better Than ‘Bridgerton’

Fans of Jane Austen-inspired romance have another charming period drama to add to their watchlists. Mr. Malcolm’s List, a 2022 romantic comedy filled with Regency-era courtship, elaborate costumes and a rather unconventional plan for revenge, has been attracting praise from viewers who compare its appeal to Bridgerton.

Directed by Emma Holly Jones and adapted by Suzanne Allain from her novel of the same name, the film transports audiences to 1818 England, where marriage prospects, social expectations and romantic misunderstandings shape the lives of London’s wealthy society.

The story centres on Julia Thistlewaite, a young woman humiliated after an eligible bachelor rejects her for failing to meet one of his requirements for a future wife. Determined to get even, she recruits her close friend Selina Dalton to make the man fall in love with her — only for their carefully arranged scheme to take an unexpected turn.

The film features a star-studded cast led by Zawe Ashton, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Freida Pinto, with Theo James, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Ashley Park among the supporting performers. Its blend of romance, comedy and lavish period settings has earned it a following among viewers looking for something in the vein of Jane Austen’s classic stories.

What Is ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ About?

Set in Regency-era London, Mr. Malcolm’s List follows Jeremy Malcolm (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù), one of society’s most eligible bachelors. Wealthy, handsome and highly selective, he has drawn up a list of qualities that his ideal future wife must possess.

Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) believes she might be a suitable match, but a disastrous encounter reveals that she does not meet one of his expectations. Rejected and left feeling humiliated, she becomes determined to give Malcolm a taste of his own medicine.

Her solution is to enlist Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto), her close friend, in an elaborate revenge scheme. Selina is encouraged to present herself as the woman Malcolm has been searching for, satisfying every requirement on his list. Once he falls for her, the plan is supposed to end with Malcolm experiencing the same public rejection Julia endured.

However, the arrangement becomes increasingly complicated as Selina gets to know Malcolm and begins to see a different side of him. What starts as a calculated attempt to deceive an arrogant bachelor gradually develops into a genuine romantic dilemma.

The situation becomes even more tangled when Captain Henry Ossory (Theo James) enters the picture, while Lord Cassidy (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) becomes involved in the unfolding scheme. Before long, the characters must navigate a web of competing affections, misunderstandings and unexpected feelings.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Regency Romance to Life

The film’s ensemble is one of its major attractions, bringing together performers from British, American and international productions.

The leading roles are played by:

• Zawe Ashton as Julia Thistlewaite
• Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Jeremy Malcolm
• Freida Pinto as Selina Dalton

They are joined by Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Lord Cassidy, Theo James as Captain Henry Ossory and Ashley Park as Gertie Covington.

The supporting cast also includes Divian Ladwa, Naoko Mori, Sophie Vavasseur, Sianad Gregory, Doña Croll, Paul Tylak and Dawn Bradfield.

The diverse ensemble gives the film a distinctive place among modern Regency-era productions, with its casting drawing comparisons to Bridgerton. The performances also bring different shades of humour and personality to a story built around social expectations and romantic deception.

Filmed in Ireland’s Most Picturesque Historic Locations

Although the story takes place in England, much of Mr. Malcolm’s List was filmed in Ireland, where historic houses and grand estates provided the backdrop for its Regency world.

Production began in Ireland in March 2021, with locations across Dublin, County Kildare and County Wicklow. Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare, was among the filming locations, while other historic properties helped create the film’s elegant period atmosphere.

Newbridge House in Dublin and Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow are also associated with the production’s location work. These historic surroundings lend the film the grand interiors, landscaped gardens and picturesque scenery expected from a Regency romance.

The locations are an important part of the film’s visual appeal, complementing its elaborate costumes, formal gatherings and carefully staged romantic encounters.

What Have Viewers Said About the Film?

Mr. Malcolm’s List has received a positive response from many viewers who enjoy light-hearted historical romance. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 83% critics’ score based on 117 reviews, alongside an 82% audience score.

Some viewers have been particularly enthusiastic about its performances, visual presentation and resemblance to classic Jane Austen-inspired stories.

One IMDb user praised the film as a masterpiece and went so far as to say it was better than Bridgerton.

Another highlighted the acting, styling, direction and locations, describing the Dublin countryside as particularly beautiful. A Jane Austen fan also called it the perfect film for her, praising both its story and the diversity of its cast.

Other viewers have compared its charm to Persuasion and Downton Abbey, while appreciating its romantic atmosphere and picturesque settings. One fan who had read the original novel said the film lived up to expectations, while another described it as a delightful Regency-era romance.

Not every critic has considered it a standout addition to the genre, but its accessible storytelling, appealing cast and affectionate nods to Austen’s work have helped it find an audience.

Is ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ Better Than ‘Bridgerton’?

The comparison with Bridgerton is understandable. Both productions explore romance, courtship and social expectations against lavish Regency-inspired settings, with diverse casts and plenty of elegant costumes.

However, Mr. Malcolm’s List takes a more contained and light-hearted approach. Rather than following multiple romantic storylines across a television season, the film centres on one elaborate matchmaking scheme and the complications that arise when revenge begins to turn into genuine affection.

Its tone is also closer to a traditional romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen than the more sensual and dramatic approach associated with Bridgerton. Fans looking for a gentle period romance filled with misunderstandings, witty exchanges and a satisfying love story may find plenty to enjoy.

Where Can You Watch ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’?

The film originally aired on BBC Two over the weekend before the article was published on June 29, 2026. At that time, it was also available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, with its listed availability scheduled to end on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

That BBC iPlayer viewing window has now passed, so the original listing should not be taken as confirmation that the film is still available there.

For viewers seeking the film on another platform, streaming availability varies by country. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists Mr. Malcolm’s List as available on Netflix, as well as for rental or purchase through Fandango in the US.

With its Jane Austen-inspired plot, impressive ensemble and beautiful period locations, Mr. Malcolm’s List offers an entertaining escape into the world of Regency romance — and a welcome choice for anyone who enjoys the romantic intrigue of Bridgerton.