Published On: Wed, Dec 24th, 2025
Movies | 4,995 views

‘Dazzling’ period drama with Brit acting royalty on Film 4 tonight | Films | Entertainment

For those seeking the perfect Christmas Eve feel-good film, your search ends here.

Lesley Manville takes the lead in the touching Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, a uplifting tale following a woman who has grafted throughout her entire life and finally embarks on a journey to fulfil her aspiration of possessing the ideal frock. Broadcasting tonight at 9pm on Film 4, this emotional picture chronicles the story of widow Ada Harris.

Ada has worked tirelessly throughout her years and upon unexpectedly receiving a war widow’s pension, she courageously decides to venture to the French capital in pursuit of haute couture.

Fantasising about a bespoke Dior creation, she has her heart set on a crimson piece and inadvertently finds herself at the fashion house’s 10th anniversary presentation.

Boasting an impressive 94 per cent score on film aggregator platform Rotten Tomatoes, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris proved enormously popular with reviewers and viewers alike, who praised its feel-good appeal and “exceptional” performances.

One review said: “Mrs. Harris’ unrestrained enthusiasm for life rubs off on everyone she meets and, if they let it, that magic will rub off on the audience too.”, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/delightful-period-drama-lead-star-36442792″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Whilst another noted: “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, starring Lesley Manville, dazzles from start to finish while brimming with unparalleled hope.”

Audiences have been charmed by the uplifting tale, with one viewer describing it as “inspiring” and praising its feel-good nature: “Refreshingly adorable. Feel good story where the good woman gets a happy ending through it all. Sometimes you want something sweet and inspiring for the soul, that’s THIS movie.”

Another fan said: “Easy and joyful to watch. Lesley Manville is fantastic, as usual. Yes, it’s clichéd and twee but it’s great to see a film about an older woman! It’s also a showcase for Dior!”.

The film’s protagonist, Ada, has captured hearts across the board. One enthusiastic viewer shared: “Every moment of this movie made me hold my breath and it was so refreshing to see so many wonderful, relatable characters brought to life by Lesley Manville, Alba Baptista and others. And of course, for the fans of Emily in Paris seeing Lucas Bravo is a special treat. One disappointment in a dream after another, Ada Harris makes us root for her with every step.”

Another added: “It is impossible not to find joy in this movie. So charming, great photography, a sharp script and enough unpredictability to keep you going to the end.”

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris airs on Film 4 at 9pm on 24 December.