The Chaperone (2019)

"(Norma's) voyage of self-discovery would be more compelling if it were less glib and predictable."

"A film that wants to be about so many things... (but) loses both of its leading ladies in the process."

"It manages to make a tale set nearly a century ago feel oddly timely."

"Lightweight trifle."

"It's a small-scale movie, and no harm in that, but it's tidy and stagy in a fusty middlebrow way."

"Though Richardson is a delight, her verve and sexual confidence only highlight the dreariness around her. A light goes out whenever she's offscreen."

"It all adds up to a charming, heartbreaking and heartwarming two hours of emotion-inducing entertainment."

"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."

"Self-actualisation may be essential for people, but it doesn't always make for the best of drama."

"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."