Easy Virtue Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

American race car driver marries a British dude, then battles his mom for control of the family’s tea cozy collection.

🍿 Easy Virtue: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Whirlwind Romance

The film opens with John Whittaker, a young Englishman, returning to his family estate with his new bride, Larita, an American race car driver he met and married in Monte Carlo. Their whirlwind romance has quickly led to marriage, much to the surprise of John’s family. Larita is a modern, independent woman, a stark contrast to the traditional values of the Whittaker family.

Clash of Cultures

Upon arriving at the Whittaker estate, Larita immediately clashes with John’s mother, Veronica, a staunch traditionalist who disapproves of Larita’s unconventional lifestyle and American background. The tension between the two women escalates as Larita struggles to fit into the rigid social norms of the British aristocracy. John’s sisters also join in, making Larita feel even more alienated.

Unexpected Allies

Amidst the conflict, Larita finds an unexpected ally in John’s father, Mr. Whittaker, a disillusioned war veteran who feels detached from his family and their traditional ways. He sympathizes with Larita’s independent spirit and offers her support, creating a bond between them. Their connection further fuels the tension between Larita and Veronica.

Secrets and Revelations

As the tension rises, secrets from Larita’s past are revealed, further complicating her relationship with the Whittaker family. Her previous marriage and the circumstances surrounding her first husband’s death become a point of contention, leading to mistrust and judgment from those around her. The true nature of love and acceptance are challenged.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Larita Whittaker (Jessica Biel): A glamorous and independent American race car driver who marries a young Englishman and clashes with his traditional family.
• John Whittaker (Ben Barnes): A young, somewhat naive Englishman who brings his American bride home, struggling to balance his family’s expectations and his own desires.
• Veronica Whittaker (Kristin Scott Thomas): The formidable and disapproving matriarch of the Whittaker family who strongly opposes her son’s marriage to Larita.
• Mr. Whittaker (Colin Firth): The war-weary and disillusioned patriarch of the Whittaker family, who finds a kindred spirit in Larita and offers her support.
• Furber (Kris Marshall): The observant and witty butler of the Whittaker estate, who provides commentary on the family’s dynamics.
• Hilda Whittaker (Kimberley Nixon): One of John’s sisters, she’s desperate for a husband, immature and fixates on morbid things.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Whittaker: “You’re English dear, fake it.” – Said to his daughter Marion when she doesn’t feel like smiling.
• Mrs. Whittaker: “Oh, you’re American.” – Mrs. Whittaker’s first subtly disapproving words upon meeting Larita.
• Larita: “Nothing can live in this house anymore… nothing can.” – Larita’s parting words about why she needs to leave the stifling Whittaker family estate.
• Larita: “You don’t know what love is… you’ve never loved someone enough to inject them with poison to ease their pain.” – Larita’s devastating revelation about the depth of her love for her first husband.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,656,784
• Worldwide Gross: $18,463,793

💥 Easy Virtue Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Easy Virtue’! The clash between Larita’s modern spirit and the uptight British family was hilarious. Jessica Biel was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the tango scene – it was so unexpected and really showed the connection between Larita and Mr. Whittaker. The ending, with them driving off together, was perfect and gave me a feeling of hope and adventure. Definitely a feel-good movie I’d watch again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
  • “Admirers of Noël Coward’s work”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female characters”
  • “Fans of Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief language”
  • “Implied euthanasia”
  • “Animal death (dog)”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “A witty and charming adaptation of Noel Coward’s play, ‘Easy Virtue’ boasts strong performances, particularly from Jessica Biel. The film’s anachronistic musical choices add a unique flavor to this battle of wills between a modern American woman and her traditional British in-laws. Worth watching for the performances alone.
• Den of Geek: “‘Easy Virtue’ is a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and social commentary. The film shines due to its sharp dialogue and the chemistry between the cast. While some may find the pacing uneven, the overall experience is a thoroughly enjoyable look at class and societal expectations in post-war England.
• IMDB User: “Jessica Biel earns major respect here for taking on a very ambitious task. ‘Easy Virtue’ marks the first time she headlines her own movie, acting alongside powerhouses like Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth. It’s based on a stage play by Noel Coward, which coincidentally was first produced in New York in 1925. Usually I hear the words ‘stage play from 1925’ and I want to quickly build and jump into a time machine but the movie is not only painless but it’s absolutely lovable at the same time.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the witty dialogue and sharp humor.: The performances of Kristin Scott Thomas and Jessica Biel were highly appreciated by most audiences.

Many viewers found the film entertaining and funny.: The soundtrack, featuring anachronistic music, was considered unique and well-integrated.

Overall Consensus: Generally well-received for its humor, performances, and unique soundtrack, though some found the script lacking in depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a play by Noël Coward, which was also adapted into a silent film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1928.”
• “Director Stephan Elliott is known for his flamboyant style, previously showcased in ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’.”
• “Anachronistic musical choices, such as ‘Car Wash’ and ‘Sex Bomb’ performed in a 1920s style, were used to give the film a contemporary edge.”

🖥️ How to Watch Easy Virtue?

Easy Virtue is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable providers. Purchase options may include physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Easy Virtue, you might like these similar films:

• The Philadelphia Story (1940): Features a strong-willed woman navigating the expectations of a wealthy, tradition-bound family, with sharp wit and social commentary.
• A Room with a View (1985): Explores the clash between traditional British society and more progressive, independent-minded individuals during the Edwardian era.
• Gosford Park (2001): A sharp and witty look at the lives of British aristocracy in the 1930s, uncovering secrets and social tensions.
• Death at a Funeral (2007): Shares the same kind of absurd humour.

🛒 Easy Virtue Related Products

• Lady Chatterley’s Lover: The unabridged edition of D.H. Lawrence’s classic novel, a symbol of Larita’s rebellious spirit and independence.
• Noel Coward: Collected Plays: A collection of plays written by Noel Coward, the source material for ‘Easy Virtue’. Explore the wit and social commentary that inspired the film.
• 1920s Flapper Dress Costume: A vintage-inspired flapper dress reminiscent of Larita’s glamorous style, perfect for themed parties or cosplay.
• Luxury Car Model: 1930s Roadster: A highly detailed model of a classic roadster from the 1930s. Evokes the thrilling racecar scenes and Larita’s passion for driving.

🎧 Soundtrack

Easy Virtue features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mad About the Boy” – performed by Jessica Biel with The Easy Virtue Orchestra
• “Car Wash” – performed by The Easy Virtue Orchestra
• “Sex Bomb” – performed by The Easy Virtue Orchestra
• “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” – performed by Billy Ocean

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

JESSICA BIEL sings “Mad about the boy” – From the film EASY VIRTUE – In UK Cinemas 7th November

Did you know Jessica Biel sang in Easy Virtue? Check out her performance of “Mad About The Boy” – her voice is surprisingly great and it really fits the movie’s vibe!

[HD] Antonio Banderas – Take the Lead – Tango Scene

Ever wondered what makes a great tango scene? Check out Antonio Banderas killing it in “Take the Lead”! The passion and intensity are incredible. Get a feel for the artistry before watching Easy Virtue!

Libertango – Bond ℘ Jessica Biel & Colin Firth ~ “Easy Virtue” ℘

Want to see Jessica Biel and Colin Firth get steamy on the dance floor? This Tango scene from Easy Virtue is amazing! The music and the moves perfectly capture the tension in the film.

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