What it’s about
Florence Foster Jenkins (Streep) is a wealthy New York patron of the arts with big dreams- and delusions. With unbridled enthusiasm but a dreadful singing voice, Jenkins sets her sights on performing at Carnegie Hall. With the support of her doting but unfaithful husband St. Clair Bayfield (Grant) and the accompaniment of her startled new pianist Cosmé (Helberg), Jenkins sets about taking 1940s society by storm. But what kind of storm?
Why we love it
Streep adds to her pantheon of memorable character roles with a dazzling performance as the tragically clueless socialite, and Helberg demonstrates why great acting is often more about reacting. Grant comes out of semi-retirement to star opposite Streep, and inflects his role with tenderness and humor. It’s hard to believe this highly entertaining yarn is actually based on fact. Frears is back in top form with his pitch-perfect direction of a very off-pitch lady!