Every now and then, a film comes along that is unintentionally the perfect antidote to all the sadness in the world. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is the title of that film. Based on Paul Gallico's 1958 book of the same name. The plot revolves around Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a working-class British war widow who enjoys fashion. Not just any fashion, but Christian Dior gowns. She makes a living as a cleaner and seamstress. Her customers are wealthy and spoiled. Vi Butterfield, a fellow working-class girl, is her closest friends (Ellen Thomas). Harris is able to realize her lifelong dream of owning a couture Christian Dior gown thanks to a series of events. She is captivated by everything new she encounters. Her first plane ride, landing in Paris to find it full of garbage due to a sanitation workers strike, but nothing compares to being able to experience the house of Dior up close and personal. She quickly realizes that the mistress of the fashion house isn't as welcoming as she had hoped. Madam Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert) is a traditional French lady.

Mrs. Harris has many clichés, such as the working naïve girl who uses goodness to overcome the snobbery of the Parisians and the fact she got on a plane with the intention of purchasing a couture gown as it is an off the rack frock  from Macy’s, but it works as cheesy as it may sound.

First, let's talk about the stunning fashion. We forgot that fashion houses used to come with a mystique. Only the upper crust could afford a custom-made gown. Fashion shows were held in salons in an intimate setting, and only a select few were able to see the creation up close and personal.

Dior was well-known for designing for celebrities and royalty such as Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich, Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Windsor.

The film does an excellent job of capturing those fashion moments. The amount of thought and care that went into making the gown.

It was also endearing to see how happy the staff was to have a member of the lower class in the salon.

While fashion is important in the story, it is ultimately about achieving one's dreams. Getting the dress is part of getting a second chance at a long-deferred dream. Ada had spent her entire life serving others. Her late husband was first, then her clients, and finally her friends. Ada was going to put herself first for the first time when she went to get the gown.

It was also a way for her to move on after she had accepted Eddie's death. (Late husband) We love this film because of Lesley Manville's performance as Ada, who is a joy to watch.

Her demeanor, frankness, and optimism are not forced. In her world, the words "no" and "impossible" do not exist.

Isabelle Huppert is equally charming as Madame Claudine Huppert. She, like Ada, is a woman who is accustomed to a certain way of life. Her workplace is in desperate need of change, but Madame Huppert has been its steady anchor. Meeting Ada is a stumbling block to that orders. Huppert, who excels in all areas, is perfectly French and the yin to Manville's yang.

Honorable mention goes to Lucas Bravo as Andre Favela, Alba Baptista as Natasha, and it's great to see Jason Isaacs playing a good guy. Kudos to casting for having the 59 years old Isaacs being 66 year old Lesley Manville love interest.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris isn’t reinventing the cinematic wheelhouse but what it does do is leave you emotionally involved and cheering for our heroine.

Ada to many of us represents ourselves or people we love who have deferred their dreams for others. In the end Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris reminds us that while its great to take care of others we must also pour into ourselves. 

Mrs Harris Goes to Parris will be released to theaters on July the 15th