Easy Virtue

Easy Virtue is an updated version of the Noel Coward play of the same name. It tells the story of an American widow and her relations with the family of her new husband.

Larita (played by Jessica Biel) quickly marries John Whittaker (Ben Barnes), after they meet in the South of France. When the couple returns to England to meet his parents; his mother, Mrs Whittaker (Kristin Scott Thomas), takes a strong abhorrence to their new daughter-in-law, while his father, Jim (Colin Firth), discovers a new friend. Family stress intensifies until Larita is forced to take firm action.

The best part of this film was the acting of Kristin Scott Thomas. She played the dour Mrs. Whittaker perfectly. Coward would have been proud of Thomas's performance. Her grumpiness towards Larita was a delight throughout the movie.

The one drawback of this film was the acting of Ben Barnes. Barnes made John seem like an insignificant character. It felt like anyone could have been plugged into that role and he would play it with a bit more feeling than Barnes did.

This classic Coward comedy was great to watch, and if you enjoy his work, Easy Virtue is an excellent adaptation you should see soon.