Lady of the Manor

Lady of the Manor is a comedy film from 2021 directed and co-written by Justin Long in his feature directorial debut. The movie stars Melanie Lynskey, who also co-wrote the script with Long, and Judy Greer, as well as Justin Long himself. The film is set in a magnificent and sprawling Florida mansion called "Wadsworth House" and is a satire of a romantic movie sub-genre - the aristocratic lady who marries a commoner.

The story follows Hannah (Melanie Lynskey), a down-on-her-luck, hard-partying woman who takes a job as a historical mansion tour guide. During one of her shifts, she meets the ghost of Lady Wadsworth, the house's former owner from the early 1900s. Lady Wadsworth (Judy Greer) is not happy with the way the mansion and her legacy are being portrayed in the tours and asks Hannah to help her correct the history.

The two women strike up an unlikely friendship, and Lady Wadsworth becomes Hannah's unlikely life coach, helping her to overcome her addiction problems and guiding her towards a better life. However, as the pair work together to update the estate's tour and uncover the truth of Lady Wadsworth's scandalous past, they begin to realize that the barriers of time and death don't apply to their friendship.

Justin Long plays an ex-husband of Lisa (Christine Quynh Nguyen), who is one of the mansion's contemporary staff. He shows up unannounced to spend time with his former wife and their teenage son Milo (Ryan Phillip Thomas). As Hannah and Lady Wadsworth's relationship deepens, the rest of the characters in the movie begin to notice their eccentric behavior, which they attribute to Hannah's drug problem.

The movie is shot in a classic Hollywood style, featuring lavish costuming and intricate set designs. The cinematography also captures the beauty of the Wadsworth House's lush, manicured gardens and scenic views of the Florida coast. The score, composed by Spencer David Hutchings, with additional songs performed by Justin Long and Ryan Miller, contextualizes the mood of the movie with a mix of rock, jazz, and classical music.

Self-aware and light-hearted, Lady of the Manor is an entertaining movie that offers a unique perspective on issues such as friendship, self-worth, and addiction. The script's cleverly timed humor performances by Lynskey, Greer, and Long infuse the story with moments of hilarity. The film's odd couple core relationship, between a present-day hard-partying woman and a ghost from the past who teaches her to value herself while cursing at everyone, is a testament to the resilience of connection.

Lady of the Manor is a fun, charming, and lighthearted movie that tells a touching story about the power of unlikely friendships. The film manages to capture the humor of the past while also commenting on contemporary social issues in a fresh and innovative way. The actors are excellent, as are the production design, score, and locations, making for an enjoyable and memorable experience. It's an absolute must-see for people who love great, funny movies with a deeper message about self-identity, friendship, and a haunting joke that will stay with them for weeks.