Bridgerton isn’t set to return until at least 2026, so that’s all the more reason why fans should satisfy their Regency itch by watching the 2022 film Mr. Malcolm’s List. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Suzanne Allain and directed by Emma Holly Jones, the underrated film is currently fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% score. A short film starring Gemma Chan as Julia Thistlewaite—also directed by Jones — was released in 2019. Chan did not return for the full-length film despite the rest of Mr. Malcolm’s List‘s cast reprising their roles.

Like Bridgerton, Mr. Malcolm’s List follows the ladies of London’s high society as they attempt to secure themselves eligible bachelors and turn them into respectable husbands. The eligible bachelor in question is Mr. Jeremy Malcolm (Sope Dirisu), who possesses a strict list of characteristics that he requires of his future wife. It is the existence of this list that leads Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) to enlist the help of her friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) in exacting revenge on Mr. Malcolm.

Mr. Malcolm’s List Is The Perfect Regency Romance To Watch Until Bridgerton Comes Back

The Film Brings Wit, Schemes, And Romance

Although the overall plot of Mr. Malcolm’s List lacks high stakes and is, ultimately, quite predictable, the film itself is witty, humorous, and —of course — romantic. In fact, a Screen Rant review of Malcolm’s List described the primary romance between Selina and Mr. Malcolm as being especially electric, most notably during the masquerade dance scene. This moment, in itself, is reminiscent of Bridgerton season 2’s dance scene between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma.

The film builds upon the rules of the Regency period genre while adding its own unique twist. It includes the intrigue of high society courting and romance, but it also embellishes the cunning machinations of matchmaking mamas and desperate debutantes that Bridgerton sometimes shies away from. This enhances the overall drama of the story and invites viewers to witness a new, more mean-spirited side of the Regency era genre.

Mr. Malcom’s List Is Most Like Bridgerton Season 4

They Both Center Relationships Between Different Classes

The similarities between Mr. Malcolm’s List and Bridgerton may be the result of broad strokes rather than fine details that are shared between all Regency period stories, but the plot of the former closely resembles that of the forthcoming Bridgerton season 4. This is primarily in regard to the different social standings of the leading couples: Selina and Mr. Malcolm, and Benedict and Sophie, respectively.

Bridgerton season 4 is reportedly being adapted from Julia Quinn’s book An Offer From A Gentleman, a Cinderella retelling in which poor Sophie Beckett (Yerin Ha)—the illegitimate of an earl—falls in love with Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) while at a masquerade ball. Likewise, whereas Mr. Malcolm is an esteemed member of London’s high society, Selina is a vicar’s daughter and, thus, is unfamiliar with the games of the ton. The climax of the latter couple’s story also occurs at a masquerade ball.

Furthermore, there is a pivotal moment in An Offer From A Gentleman when, during Benedict’s visit to Sophie’s house, Sophie is locked in her stepmother’s closet. This prevents the couple’s reunion. Similarly, Julia, in Mr. Malcolm’s List, locks Selina in a room in order to pose as her and reject Mr. Malcolm’s proposal. This, too, prevents the couple from getting together. Of course, despite the difficulties, both couples eventually find their happily ever after with each other. Benedict marries Sophie, and, at the end of Malcolm’s List, Mr. Malcolm alters his list to say “Selina Dalton,” meaning that she is his perfect woman.

How Mr. Malcolm’s List Is Different Than Bridgerton

The Conflict Is Meaner Than What You Would Expect

There is, however, one huge difference between Mr. Malcolm’s List and Bridgerton, and that is the utterly cruel and outlandish scheme Julia concocts. After being mocked by society and failing to meet the requirements of Mr. Malcolm’s list, Julia seeks to ridicule Mr. Malcolm for the perceived slight he put upon her.

Although there have been instances similar to this in Bridgerton — for example, Colin loudly declaring that he would never marry Penelope in season 2, thereby humiliating her — the actions taken to rectify those situations are not as vicious as Julia’s actions. The scheme is somewhat too mean-spirited, especially considering that Julia’s response to the slight is not equal to the slight itself.

Despite this glaring difference, Mr. Malcolm’s List is exactly what fans of Regency stories—Bridgerton, any Jane Austen adaptation, etc.—would expect: stringent high society rules, a serious leading man with a heart of gold, and a charmingly witty leading lady. It will certainly satisfy the Bridgerton itch while fans wait for the upcoming fourth season.