“COME ONE COME ALL” // A FILM REVIEW OF “LADY”
BY MATEO MORENO
A lot of films and television shows have tried their very best to nail the perfect mockumentary aesthetic, the one that Christopher Guest has mastered completely. The Office (both the UK and US versions) withstanding, not many have gotten it right. That’s why I’m so happy to say that LADY, the new absurdist mockumentary directed by Samuel Abrahams, is thrillingly wonderful. Not only did Abrahams and his crew nail the ridiculousness of the format, but Lady goes where other mockumentaries have not gone: full, true absurdity. And it does it masterfully. The main plot follows a film crew, led by the BAFTA nominated director Sam (Laurie Kynaston) are tasked with capturing the life of Lady Isabella (Sian Clifford), thinking that this is a Netflix backed project. She is thrilled with the attention and gleefully shows them around her mansion. She is an absurd and gleefully strange character, who definitely thinks higher of herself than others do. Sam is perplexed by her and is genuinely puzzled by why Netflix would want to film her for a documentary (think Grey Gardens without the famous family association). Eventually, Sam realizes that Netflix actually has no idea who Lady Isabella is and that they don’t want this for their network and tries to bolt. Lady Isabella begs them to stay as she prepares to host, and win, the children’s talent show, ‘Stately Stars.’
To say that things take a turn after that is putting it mildly, and I won’t spoil it here, but Lady Abrahams has a, let’s call it affliction, which affects the rest of the film and convinces Sam that this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. As it delves into the more bizarre aspects of the film, the connection between Sam and Abrahams heightens to heartbreaking effect. From Lady Isabella’s agoraphobia and Sam’s own self-doubt, they truly seem to need each other in this moment, no matter the cost. As Lady Isabella, Sian Clifford is phenomenal. She’s hilariously out of her mind while also grounding a character that could easily go into cartoon territory in other hands. She’s a true delight to watch, even at her most cringeworthy. Laurie Kynaston gives a spirited performance as the BAFTA nominated director and his connection with Clifford is a real gift here. This is truly a bizarre and strange film, but one that truly sparkles in its originality. It’s a special one, this ode to Lady Isabella. And she certainly is one that you won’t likely forget soon.
GRADE: A
WRITTEN BY Miranda Campbell Bowling, Samuel Abrahams DIRECTED BY Samuel Abrahams STARRING Sian Clifford, Laurie Kynaston, Juliet Cowan, Olisa Odele, Jacob Masterson, Autumn Halse, Emma Buckworth, Olivia Norton NOW PLAYING IN LIMITED RELEASE