The Decoy Bride [PG]

It’s the wedding of the century: the world’s most revered movie star, Lara Tyler, to marry author James Arber. But the perfect day takes a downward turn when the ceremony is sabotaged by the paparazzi. Desperate to be married in private, the celebrity couple decide to relocate and hold a private marriage on the sleepy island of Hegg far from prying eyes. But when a resilient photographer tracks them down, a “decoy bride” must be found to fool the soon-swarming paparazzi. Local girl Katie, just out of a relationship and “vegan” towards all men, is called upon to play the part, but things get rocky when, by some slight mistake, she and James find themselves married. 

Aw this film is a lovely film, a really lovely film. I’d never heard of it before, but we got the preview disc into work today and when I saw David Tennant on the cover, it was a must-see. With its wholly original story and down-to-earth performances, The Decoy Bride is a really nice and different romantic comedy that I would definitely recommend. 

It’s the wedding of the century: the world’s most revered movie star, Lara Tyler, to marry author James Arber. But the perfect day takes a downward turn when the ceremony is sabotaged by the paparazzi. Desperate to be married in private, the celebrity couple decide to relocate and hold a private marriage on the sleepy island of Hegg, far away from prying eyes. But when a resilient photographer tracks them down, a “decoy bride” must be found to fool the soon-swarming paparazzi. Local girl Katie, recently out of a relationship and now “vegan” towards all men, is called upon to play the part, but things get rocky when, by a slight mistake, she and James find themselves married. 

Admittedly, you could tell what the outcome of the story was going to be about halfway through, but nevertheless, The Decoy Bride was a really lovely little rom-com that had me laughing, cussing, and swooning. What I particularly like about films such as this and Leap Year are the fact that, because they are set in places that are a little more remote and secluded, they give off that atmosphere. Watching the two leads walking and idly bantering against the overcast, but beautiful island scenery just makes you feel cleansed and refreshed. It’s like breathing really deeply on the edge of a cliff. It’s exhilarating and calming at the same time. That’s the feeling I had throughout the duration of this film. 

Although I hired the movie for David Tennant, the real star of the show was Kelly MacDonald, a face that many people will recognise from Nanny McPhee, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Kelly delivered a performance that was charming, honest, giddy, and enchanting, but at the same time repellent, overdone, and struggling. Not to mention the fact that she’s an enchantingly beautiful woman and a very talented actress; I have a real soft spot for Kelly I have to admit. Kelly, you’re gorgeous! 

Starring David Tennant, Alice Eve, Federico Castelliccio, Hamish Clark, Michael Urie, Dylan Moran, and Sally Phillips, The Decoy Bride is a wonderful little movie filled with blunders, romance, comedy, awkwardness, slapstick, witty banter, irresistible accents, and loveable characters. It’s lovely it really is lovely!