Fix: (British) Romantic Comedy
Platforms: AMC+ or AppleTV
Official Summary:
When Hollywood actress Lara Tyler travels to a tiny Scottish island to get married, the paparazzi follow her, prompting her to flee in frustration. To dupe the press, her handlers stage fake nuptials and hire a local girl to play the bride.
FYA Summary:
After a failed relationship and career in Edinburgh, Katie returns home to a tiny village on Hegg Island and picks up where she left off—working in the village’s only shop and helping her mother run the island’s only B&B. Actress Lara Tyler, who will go to any length to keep her wedding a private affair, travels to the island with her fiancé, James Arber, author of a bestselling novel set, in part, on the island. When Katie is hired to play decoy to throw off the paparazzi, a myriad of hijinks ensue.
Familiar Faces:
David Tennant as James Arber
You will never get me to believe that David Tennant is anything less than brilliant (and hot). As the Tenth Doctor, he’s brilliant (and hot). As Fright Night’s illusionist Peter Vincent, he’s brilliant (and particularly hot). Even when David Tennant is playing creepy-ass Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire he’s brilliant (OK, yes, the tongue thing isn’t his hottest moment, but still. Hot.) His role in The Decoy Bride, although somewhat romantic comedy-esque generic, is that of a struggling writer who—you guessed it—is both brilliant (and hot).
Kelly Macdonald as Katie
Every time I see a movie with Kelly Macdonald in it, I’m reminded of how fun she is to watch. Although you wouldn’t know it from the official synopsis, Kelly plays the main character in the movie, and she totally steals the show. I want to be besties with Katie (and Kelly IRL).
Alice Eve as Lara Tyler
I feel bad saying this, but Alice Eve bores me. Her role in this film is that of a stereotypical Hollywood starlet. It works for the film, but … meh. (Also: She needs some smize lessons, stat.)
Michael Urie as Steve
Michael tones down his usual sassy gay BFF character to play a sarcastic (but still sassy) wedding planner. Michael—You, me, Kelly. Dinner and drinks. Let’s make it happen.
Dylan Moran as Charlie
Dylan plays a tabloid editor that just makes everything worse for Lara and her quest for privacy. It’s a very bit part, but he pretty satisfactorily gets what he deserves.
Sally Phillips as Emma
Sally Phillips is basically the Judy Greer of British cinema—always playing the best friend or the assistant. Which, she does, again, in this movie.
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
This movie has enough romance to work for a date night with your significant other and plenty of giggles that make it perfect for a girl’s night in.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Viewer’s Choice
I think this movie, as obvious as it can be, is truly adorable, so no alcohol was needed to get me through the film. If your preference is to make amusing things more amusing, however, might I suggest some champers?
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Good
The Decoy’s Bride is one of those movies that steaming was created for—one you might never pick up on your own, but through happenstance come upon it and are very glad you did. It’s so cute it might make your teeth hurt a little, but for those of us who enjoy the cheese (and the David Tennant) it’s wonderful.
