Not many actors can boast a career like John Malkovich. Seriously, how many have portrayed a fictionalized version of themselves in a movie? While most people probably remember the two-time Oscar nominee for his bad guy roles, particularly in the ’90s, he’s definitely done his share of playing the good guy, too, including this one. The fact that this one is a feel-good comedy is particularly appealing to me, and Malkovich gets to showcase his linguistic flair as he speaks mostly in French throughout the movie.

It’s quite amusing to see an American actor portray an Englishman pretending to be French. Another unique aspect about this one is that it’s written and directed by bestselling author Gilles Legardinier, who wrote the novel Complètement cramé (Completely Burnt Out) over a decade ago. It centers on a businessman, Andrew Blake, who leaves behind his corporate life in England, even skipping an award ceremony in his honor, and retreats to the French countryside following his French wife’s passing.

The Beauvillier estate holds a sentimental meaning to him as that’s where he proposed decades ago, but now it’s owned by Nathalie (Fanny Ardant). Due to a misunderstanding involving Odile, the housekeeper/chef (Émilie Dequenne), Blake ends up signing up to be an English butler.

Even though Blake is fluent in French, it takes Odile some time to figure out that he’s not really there for the butler position. It’s a common mistaken-identity gimmick that requires a little suspension of disbelief, but I’m happy to go along with it since I have a soft spot for this type of comfort cinema. Although Blake and Odile didn’t start off on the best of terms, they eventually warmed up to each other. He also strikes up a friendship with a pregnant laundress named Manon (Eugénie Anselin) and the groundskeeper Philippe (Philippe Bas), who has a massive crush on Odile. Even Odile’s adorably fluffy but aloof cat, Mephisto, can’t resist Blake’s charm.

Everyone’s dealing with their own problems, including Nathalie, who’s been having a tough time financially managing the estate (kind of like the Crawleys with their grand estate, Downton Abbey) and is considering turning Beauvillier into a bed & breakfast. Legardinier, who co-wrote the script with Christel Henon, leans more towards comedy, highlighting the quirks and eccentricities of the characters.

Most of the serious moments revolve around Blake and Nathalie, who eventually share the truth of her marriage to her late husband. Blake himself is distanced from his daughter, but the reason behind it is never made clear, which diminishes the emotional weight of their surprise reunion. Yes, the ending is predictable, but it doesn’t diminish the film’s good-natured charm about unexpected friendship.

The connection between Blake and Nathalie is sweet, taking its time without jumping immediately into romance. Ardant is an incredibly beautiful actress, always looking elegant in every outfit that costume designer Magdalena Labuz dresses her in. I wish she had more screen time, but I treasure every moment she’s on. Equally stunning is the estate, filmed at Château du Bois-Cornillé in Brittany, which serves as a hotel for events and weddings. DP Stéphane Le Parc beautifully captures the breathtaking scenery around the Château, while Erwann Chandon’s graceful piano-driven score enhances the dreamy vibe.

If you love French films, Mr Blake At Your Service! (which is listed as Well Done! on IMDb) offers a lovely and airy escape. I’m glad movies like this one still get made, providing a refreshing alternative to the more serious and darker films out there. I really like seeing Malkovich in this role, and I hope he takes on more feel-good movies like this in the future.

Have you seen Mr Blake At Your Service? I’d love to hear what you think!