Netflix Queue Review: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

I finally found an excuse for watching this lovely film on Valentine's Day when it popped up in the Netflix Romantic movies category. If you, too, are paralyzed by indecision when you try to pick a Netflix film, let me make that decision a little easier for you when I tell you to watch this film. 

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day tells the tale of unassuming, out-of-work governess Guinevere Pettigrew, who gets accidentally swept up in the high-glamour world of the London artistic elite in the days just before England became involved in World War Two. Hijinks, laughter, and romance ensue alongside some serious contemplation on the value of life and relationships.

The film boasts strong performances from the two lead actresses, Frances McDormand and Amy Adams, and the always-adorable Lee Pace is even more delightful than usual. Indeed, all the acting in the film is wonderful, even if it is sometimes over-the-top as it attempts to convey that stylized 1930s musical-comedy feeling. (Of course, "over-the-top" in a British film is the same as "normal" in an American film, so it all evens out. :)) The film's primary premise -- ordinary woman gets one day of high-society living in before coming back to reality -- is echoed in the film's secondary theme of a final hurrah for Britain before the bombs of Berlin spoil the fun. But just because the film ends with the warning of war doesn't mean Miss Pettigrew herself has to go back to a sad life. There's love and hope for her -- and, we know, for war-time Britain, too.

You should see this movie if you're a fan of period films, thoughtful comedy, or love. If you hate feeling happy about humanity, or generally prefer to be sad while watching your movies, just scroll on past Miss Pettigrew.