Florence Foster Jenkins

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Florence Foster Jenkins is available in Australia on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, and in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla right now. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Meryl Streep — stay for everyone else around them. Put it on tonight on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Florence Foster Jenkins is worth clearing space for. Florence Foster Jenkins does what great comedies rarely manage — it is actually funny, consistently, across the whole run. The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress, who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice. Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2016. What keeps Florence Foster Jenkins from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Florence Foster Jenkins. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Meryl Streep sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.