Back in the early forties, I fell in love with Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in their MGM films like “Rose Marie” and “Maytime.” They sang their hearts out to each other, and I’ve never seen a duo that could equal them. Their voices blended and their emotions seemed real. It was a beautiful thing to see and hear. Well, imagine my surprise to find FALLING FOR FIGARO, a movie with opera tunes, romance and comedy that reminded me of Jeanette and Nelson from long ago.  

Forget the opera dubbing here by real opera singers. Just go with the flow of emotions between a determined couple played by Danielle Macdonald (Dumplin’ ) and Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia- Here We Go Again) as they play two people from different backgrounds who love opera and end up as students of a very tough teacher played by the amusing Joanna Lumley (TV’s Absolutely Fabulous). 

Although opera voices are dubbed by true opera singers Stacey Alleume and Nathan Ley, Macdonald and Skinner successfully provide the emotions to make their characters real. Macdonald portrays Millie, a woman who has worked as a successful business woman in the big city but longs to be an opera singer. Skinner is Max, a small-town guy studying opera for years but still not reaching his goal. .     

In rom-com can opera win?

Don’t tell me that would be a sin.

Watching FALLING FOR FIGARO

made me happy to see this show.    

But you must be fully aware

that opera is in the air.

Leading lady and leading man

give us all the singing they can.

n a contest against each one,

with same teacher, that’s no fun.  

Though not MacDonald and Eddy.      

 These actors seem to be ready.

Delightful Australian movie!

Opera plus romance moved me.

Comedy also helps the plot.

Don’t skip this film for what it’s got.

Congratulations to director (and co-writer with Allen Palmer) Ben Lewin (Please Stand By) for not hurrying this story. We need that pace to get to know Millie and Max. Kudos also to the music selected by Cezary Skubiszewski. It’s so beautiful! And to all the actors, I tip my hat. The tension and growing love between Millie and Max impressed me.  Plus, it’s always fun to watch Joanna Lumley.  Finally, thanks to Netflix for picking up this 2020 gem.

Everybody is always in the middle of their own opera. --- Greta Gerwig

(Available now on Netflix. Not rated by MPAA. Released by Umbrella Films and IFC)