Miss Potter Review (2006) - A tale of ink, heart, and the spirited woman who painted her way into history, proving that rabbits with jackets can indeed change the world!

As we potatoes watch the leaves return and the air fills with suffocating pollen, we potatoes enjoy watching this absolute gem, the 2006 film "Miss Potter." This movie is a true cinematic delight! It's a stunning period piece that whisks us away into the world of Beatrix Potter, the beloved author and illustrator whose tales have hopped through our childhoods giving us Peter Rabbit himself!

"Miss Potter" is more than a life story; it’s a beautiful canvas painted with her wonderful imagination, passion, and a touch of whimsical magic! The film artfully weaves the story of Beatrix Potter, capturing her journey as an artist, storyteller, and a pioneer for women in the early 20th century. But, let us tread gently, for while this tale is draped in beauty and inspiration, it also navigates around some difficult themes of societal expectations, sexism, and grief. This film is ultimately a feel-good movie, but these themes can be triggering to some, so proceed with some caution.

We will do everything we can to not give too many spoilers in this review but there is likely to be some so please take that into consideration and read cautiously. Let’s get started!

The film fades to a green background, with paint brushes, then we see a pencil being sharpened by hand. We hear the gentle rustle of pages, as a paint brush enters the screen, inviting us into the quiet yet determined world of Miss Potter.

We transition from the paint brush and paper to the gorgeous and lush English countryside, with Beatrix’s (Renée Zellweger) voice overhead, “There’s something delicious about writing the first words of a story…you can never quite tell where they will take you…mine took me here.”

We fade from there to London 1902, Beatrix’s voice is narrating, “Looking back the city and I never much liked each other. An unmarried woman after all was expected to behave in very particular ways. Which did not include traipsing from publisher to publisher with a gaggle of friends.”

We see her wrapping up her drawings into her portfolio as she talks to them. Her paintings are not just drawings; they're her friends, confidants, and the keepers of her secret hopes and dreams. Next we see her at a publishing house, her paintings being examined by two older gentlemen Haorld Warne (Anton Lesser) and Fruing Warne (David Bamber).

Beatrix is anxious, as they look over her paintings. Her chaperone Miss Wiggin (Matyelok Gibbs) sits in the back waiting for the meeting to wrap up. Beatrix explains that she has sold her paintings for greeting cards, and other small projects.

The Warne’s do not seem to be that enthused with her work despite the fact that her paintings and story-telling showcase her tremendous talent. They seem hesitant…but to her delight they decide to give her book a chance! They do not think they will sell a lot of her books but they think it will turn a, “small profit.”

Thrilled, she thanks them profusely, collects her portfolio, “come along Peter!” Excitedly she rushes to her carriage and instructs her driver to drive her through all of the parks! Miss Wiggin is unimpressed rolling her eyes at Beatrix. Beatrix does not let Miss Wiggin’s disapproval get to her, she brazenly urges the drivers to drive as fast as he can!

We love this for her! We hate the attitude she was given at the publishing house, and we think Miss Wiggin can stuff it. We absolutely adore Beatrix’s originality and strength of person. We digress!

Beatrix finally returns home to her flustered and annoyed mother, Helen Potter (Barbara Flynn). “Beatrix where have you been, it’s after four o’ clock!” Beatrix explains to her mother that she is old enough to go where she pleases without her mother’s permission. Her mother was hoping to use the carriage that same afternoon, and asked her again where she had been.

“I took a drive, with my friends.” Beatrix goes up the stairs and enters her room with a big smile on her face. Her mother follows her to her room and says in a confused voice, “You don’t have any friends…”

Annoyed Beatrix retorts, “Yes I do mother. Every time I draw.” Her mother goes on to tell her that while her paintings are pretty, they are far from great art. She then flounces out of the room. Beatrix leans forward at her drawing desk, to look at a painting of a rabbit. “Well my friend, when I am a published author…then we shall see!” Indeed we shall!

We love this! We will be wrapping up from here so as to avoid too many spoilers! The tale takes a turn as Beatrix steps into her power, seeking to share her stories with the world! The publishers, the Warne brothers, initially underestimate her. They assign the project to their younger brother as a way to keep him, “occupied” (Eye roll!). Enter the dashingly earnest and incredibly sweet publisher Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor)! He is determined to prove himself, and his belief in Beatrix's work lights the first spark of a heartwarming tale of love and collaboration. Together, they navigate the choppy waters of London's publishing world, their partnership blossoming into a sweet love that defies the rigid conventions of their time!

While an incredibly endearing film, "Miss Potter" does not shy away from the systemic societal pressures of the time and her own personal tragedy. Beatrix Potter navigates a world steeped in the sexism of early 20th-century England, where her aspirations as a female author and illustrator are met with rudeness, and patronizing skepticism. Despite her undeniable talent, Miss Potter's journey to publication is riddled with hurdles, primarily because her ambitions lie outside the stereotypical domestic roles that have been prescribed to women by men, but is, unfortunately, often propped up by fellow women as well.

Which brings us to Beatrix’s mother…the dynamic between Beatrix Potter and her mother is complex, it highlights the stark contrast in their values and expectations. We potatoes will openly admit that Beatrix's mother annoys the hell out of us! Beatrix's mother embodies the stringent social norms of the Victorian era, prioritizing status, money and propriety above personal fulfillment and happiness. Her behavior towards Beatrix is critical, rude and dismissive, particularly of Beatrix's artistic ambitions and her desire for a life beyond the traditional roles assigned to women of their class.

This emotional coldness is emotionally and psychologically abusive, as she seeks to control and confine Beatrix's aspirations, stifling her daughter's person along with her creativity and independence under the guise of maternal concern. Which gave us the ICK something fierce! Beatrix’s mom is subtle and covert with her poor treatment of Beatrix, but that makes it all the more gross to us potatoes.

Their relationship is a source of deep emotional conflict for Beatrix. She yearns for approval and understanding from her mother, yet is continually met with resistance and disapproval, underscoring the internal and external battles Beatrix must overcome on her journey to self-actualization and success. But she does get there despite her mother and we could not be happier for her!

However, we must acknowledge that Miss Potter is still a privileged individual! She may not get any support from her mother but she does have an exceptionally supportive father. Also, while the film poignantly highlights how her resilience and eventual success in breaking through the glass ceiling of publishing, it is still tinted by the privilege afforded to her by her wealthy background. This background provides her with resources, education, and opportunities less accessible to others. This mirrors ongoing challenges, as women today continue to confront systemic barriers, sexism, misogyny, and gender biases.

"Miss Potter" not only celebrates Beatrix's triumph over societal constraints but it also serves as a reflection on the persistence of gender inequality, reminding us that the fight for equal recognition and opportunity, irrespective of one's background, is far from over! The film handles these moments with a delicate touch, allowing the light of Beatrix's resilience and creativity to shine through the darkest clouds. But the clouds are still there, and we potatoes always appreciate a film that does not shy away from hard and true things.

We have to talk about the gorgeous landscapes in this film! The beautiful landscapes of the English countryside, portrayed with a rustic perfection, serve as a lush backdrop to the story that unfolds. Amidst this visual feast, the film's cast delivers stunning performances of remarkable depth and authenticity! Renée Zellweger's portrayal of Beatrix Potter radiates with genuine warmth, kindness, understanding and complexity. Zellweger, along with Ewan McGregor are just fantastic! We also have to mention a favorite character of ours, Millie Warne played by Emily Watson! They all breathe life into their characters with such finesse and depth. Each relationship in the film gives the audience a feeling of genuine affection and nuanced understanding, adding depth to the portrait of a woman whose legacy extends far beyond the pages of her books.

We adore this film, we potatoes find a kindred spirit in Beatrix. We feel that this film serves as a gentle but powerful reminder of the courage that we can find when we live our lives for ourselves. It teaches us the invaluable lesson of remaining steadfast to our authentic selves, even when life, and society attempts to steer us in an opposing direction. Her unwavering devotion to her art, coupled with an indomitable spirit, inspires us to embrace our passions with open hearts, to find greatness in our dreams, and to play a more active role in our daily lives.

She inspires us to paint our futures how we see fit and with hope. "Miss Potter" celebrates the journey of forging your own path, finding strength in vulnerability, and the transformative power of self-love and creativity. Miss Potter reminds us that we only have this one life and to pursue our own happiness and well-being with fervor. It also reminds us that with determination, and self-love we can succeed. We love this message! It's a nudge for us all to weave our tapestries of life in the manner that best suits us, and to remember that even the most unassuming stories can leave indelible marks upon the world, inspiring us to dream as big or small as we want to.

In essence, "Miss Potter" is a celebration of the enduring power of storytelling, the beauty of nature, and the quiet courage it takes to follow one's heart against all odds. It's a film that inspires us to dream, to dare, and to cherish the simple joys that life offers. If you are someone that loves heartfelt, well-written, stories of growth, love, and overcoming all obstacles then this is the film for you!

So, here's to Miss Potter, to the rabbits that hopped through her head, and to the stories that continue to inspire courage, love, and a touch of mischief in us all. Cheers to a film that, like Beatrix's beloved tales, invites us to believe in the magic that lies just beneath the surface of the everyday. And most importantly, cheers to you!

We give this movie 5 out of 5 Blackberry cocktails!

The Miss Potter Drinking Game

Take a sip anytime:

1.     Beatrix's illustrations come to life

2.     Beatrix refers to her characters as her friends or talks to them

3.     Anyone gushes over Beatrix's talent

4.     Anyone says the name "Beatrix"

5.     Beatrix's mother is passive aggressive or misunderstands Beatrix

6.     Beatrix's mother is a snob

7.     Anyone questions Beatrix's life choices

8.     Beatrix interacts with her publisher, Norman Warne

9.     There's a tender moment between Beatrix and Norman

10.  Beatrix enjoys nature

11.  Milly is supportive or funny

12.  Beatrix draws or paints

13.  One of Beatrix's books is on screen

14.  Beatrix mentions the name of one of her characters

15.  Anyone mentions the Lake District or "the lakes"

16.  Anyone mentions farming or farmland

17.  Beatrix says the name "Mr. Heelis"

18.  Anyone says "Miss Potter"

19.  Ms. Wiggin gives a disapproving look

What did you think? Did you like the movie? Did you hate it? What movies should we watch? Any and all thoughts are welcome! Let us know here in the comments and always remember to be safe and drink responsibly!