Keeping Mum is a comedy crime film directed by Niall Johnson. The plot sees the Goodfellow family get a new housekeeper Grace (Maggie Smith), who seems to be able to fix all of the family’s problems. However, it is revealed that Grace is harbouring a dark secret, she is a murderer, from there hilarity and heart ensue.
This film has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen, Maggie Smith is terrific as always, she plays a craziest murderer well, but one that is only killing to help her family. She plays the character like a kindly old lady with a dark streak. The rest of the good fellow family is also perfect, Rowan Atkinson as Vicar Goodfellow is sweet and bumbling and his romance with his wife that is cheating on him, but then comes around to see the light, is really nice and wholesome.
What’s more Gloria Goodfellow (Kristen Scott Thomas), relationship with her mum Grace is also incredibly well done, and the ending that shows that Gloria has carried on her mother murderous legacy is a nice way to end it.
I think this film is also a triumph for British comedy as it is genuinely funny through and through, there are a lot of laughs in this film’s hour and a half runtime. Most of these hilarious lines come from Maggie Smith, who is easily one of the funniest British performers.
The kills aren’t very gory, so if you are going into this film for the horror or the gore side of things then the film probably won’t do much for you. This film is far more of a heartfelt comedy than anything else.
Overall, this might be one of the best, funniest British dark comedies out there, Smith and Atkinson are both doing a great job and the message of the film is surprisingly heartfelt and sweet. More likely to make you laugh than give you chills this is a must see!
Pros.
It is genuinely funny.
It has great heart.
All of the actors are doing great jobs.
Patrick Swayze is in it.
Cons.
The kills aren’t very gory.
3.5/5.
Reviewed by Luke
Another Millennial Reviewer 