Easy Virtue

"Easy Virtue" (2008) is a charming British romantic comedy directed by Stephan Elliot, based on Noël Coward's 1924 play. The story follows John Whittaker, a young Englishman who brings his new American wife, Larita (Jessica Biel), to meet his upper-class British family. Set in the 1920s, Larita's modern, free-spirited attitude clashes with the conservative and staid Whittaker household, leading to a series of witty and dramatic confrontations. The film explores themes of class, love, and societal expectations with sharp humor and stylish period detail. Jessica Biel delivers a charismatic performance as Larita, capturing the tensions between individuality and tradition in a comedic yet heartfelt narrative.

Easy Virtue received mixed reviews from critics, resulting in a moderate reception overall. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 52% approval rating, highlighting a split opinion, with some appreciating the film’s witty dialogue and stylish visuals, while others found it uneven in tone. Metacritic assigns it a score of 58 out of 100, signifying average reviews. IMDb users rate the film at 6.6/10, indicating a generally positive audience response. Critics praised Jessica Biel’s effervescent portrayal of Larita, with The Guardian noting her “comic timing and charm” as a highlight. However, some reviewers such as those from Variety mentioned the film struggles to fully balance its satirical humor with the underlying drama. The production design and costume work received commendations for authentically capturing the Roaring Twenties ambiance. Overall, Easy Virtue is appreciated for its clever script and engaging performances, though some felt the adaptation of the source material lacked the sharpness and depth expected from Coward’s original play.