This mockumentary about an eccentric aristocratic character could have taken a familiar path of absurdity and predictable flaws; however, Lady has more to offer than the usual lark of exploring how and why the wealthy behave, especially with a camera in their face. With a bizarre and dedicated central performance from Sian Clifford as the eponymous Lady Isabella, the film manages to stand apart from anything that could be remotely considered in the same vein of story.
A small film crew, along with BAFTA-nominated director Sam, arrive at the grand stately home of Lady Isabella under the pretence that this docu-series is being backed by Netflix. With the ruse very quickly revealed, Lady Isabella persuades them to stay and film her, and promises a climactic ending, where she announces she will compete in the annual children’s talent show ‘Stately Stars’ that takes place in her home.
As director and co-writer Samuel Abrahams’ directorial feature debut, Lady is a fascinating portrait that naturally delves into visually bizarre and entertaining comedy. The film shines when it mixes the ‘artistic’ tableaux Lady Isabella insists on creating, alongside the occasional sharp dialogue between Isabella and Sam. Abrahams blends in the strangest scenarios, including the mysterious affliction Isabella has to deal with throughout, while also taking the time to explore why she behaves the way she does. The vast empty spaces really hammer home just how isolated Lady Isabella is. Her idea to bring in a film crew to film her all the time stemmed from the idea that she could be an influencer too, like those on TikTok, which comes across as quite sad as well as ambitious, but that’s Isabella all round.
The reveal behind her agoraphobic tendencies is heartbreaking and explains so much. However, her narcissism is something she has developed all on her own; it knows no bounds. Sian Clifford fully embraces the persona of Lady Isabella with such energy it’s hard to believe she is playing a work of fiction. Laurie Kynaston as the hoodwinked director Sam is also able to immerse himself in his role, and easily moves out of playing ‘the straight man’ next to Clifford’s character.
It is commendable that the film was shot in less than 20 days, with a skeleton crew, as well as a minimal cast. Having a near full run of the house (Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk, standing in for Ravenhyde Hall), it’s fantastic to see just how large the grounds and buildings are. For anyone who is intrigued about these stately houses that haven’t yet become part of the National Trust inventory, here is a fantastic insight. There are dangers with such a wide canvas to work on, but it does become very clear, particularly in the end scenes, that there are budget constraints at play here. When a crowd is meant to be arriving for the talent show, it takes place in a very small room in comparison to others in the house. Although Lady Isabella’s performance is wild and ridiculous, it can’t quite mask the lack of people, even if it’s played off as some people went home.
Lady is able to show empathy where it’s needed and never feels like the joke was over long ago. The antics of Isabella are what keep this film moving, and despite her character flaws, which are entertaining, we, the audience, can understand a little more than we expected to in this mockumentary.
Lady is available now on digital.
