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Frances McDormand and Amy Adams star in this ebullient female bonding flick set in the early 1930s, about a recently fired governess (McDormand) who ingratiates herself into the employment of a ditzy actress (Adams). This film, particularly in its first half, is a serendipitous comedy full of witty dialogue and a dash of slapstick. It moves quickly and I was completely caught up in its spell.

When I started to doubt whether the writing and performances could sustain the full length of the film, a revelation is made about one of the characters that endeared me to both of them even more. McDormand and Adams are infectious, particularly when they conspire to cover their tracks with impromptu lies. Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter‘s Moaning Myrtle) is hilarious as a villainous foil. Lee Pace and Ciaran Hinds bring heart to the proceedings as men trying to win the women’s affections. Add to the mix gorgeous period production design and costumes, and you have a movie that is both charming and beautiful, heartfelt and hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Based on the novel by Winifred Watson.