In this detailed Lady review, director Samuel Abrahams delivers a spirited feature directorial debut that merges eccentric mockumentary comedy with surprising emotional weight. Fresh off her memorable portrayal of the neurotic sister in Fleabag, actor Sian Clifford steps into the shoes of Lady Isabella, a haughty and delusional aristocrat living in solitude at her sprawling Ravenhyde Hall estate. Isabella convinces a young, inquisitive filmmaker named Sam, played by Laurie Kynaston and loosely inspired by Abrahams himself, that her isolated lifestyle deserves to be documented. In her own words, she frames herself as aristocracy’s answer to the Kardashians, setting the stage for a unique cinematic experiment.
A Clash Between Filmmaker and Subject
Shot in the stylistic vein of a low-budget fly-on-the-wall documentary, the film thrives on the intriguing dynamic between mockumentary tropes and surreal storytelling. The central spark comes from the bizarrely captivating chemistry between Kynaston and Clifford. On one side stands an ambitious young director striving to capture a raw, candid study of his subject; on the other is an upper-class woman desperate to maintain total command over her public image. Clifford is particularly magnetic during moments of dramatic pseudo-performance art, at one point passionately declaring that she represents the canvas, the paint, and the brush altogether. This desire for dominance culminates in her entering Stately Stars, a local talent show for neighborhood children that she herself hosts and judges.
Grief, Menopause, and Visual Artistry
Beneath the absurd humor, the sharp script, co-written by Abrahams alongside Miranda Campbell Bowling, uncovers the painful realities of Isabella’s personal world. As the story unfolds, the narrative grapples with her struggles surrounding menopause and the heavy burden of unresolved grief, causing her to metaphorically and physically fade away within her gilded cage. The atmosphere is further heightened by Jonny Woodley’s haunting and vocally operatic musical score, which pairs brilliantly with Terri Higgins’ striking costume design. From a bright-azure tartan pantsuit to a leopard print ensemble layered with a classic trench coat, the visuals impart a distinctly psychedelic flair.
Flaws, Emotional Depth, and Final Verdict
The film is not entirely without minor flaws. Certain moments see the mockumentary format stumble slightly due to awkward camera positioning, while Clifford’s energetic performance occasionally borders on frenzied territory. However, Abrahams swiftly steers the story back on track through moments of profound vulnerability. Channeling shades of the opulent visual aesthetic found in Saltburn and the reflective loneliness of Grey Gardens, the film offers unexpectedly poignant commentary on the societal invisibility of middle-aged women and the intricate dynamic between an artist and their muse.
