Tea With the Dames

Rating: 5/5

Four classy dames hobnobbing and gossiping. What more could you ever want?

In this documentary, we are given the unexpected pleasure of being invited to tea with four legendary actresses. Unbeknownst to most of the world, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, and Eileen Atkins get together on a semi-regular basis to have tea, catch up with one another, and reminisce about their early careers.

While watching this movie, you'll be treated to anecdotes the ladies share between each other. With archive footage of some of their stage and screen highlights, the movie delivers a beautifully well rounded view of each woman's accomplishments.

If you had never known it before, not only are these women incredibly talented actresses, but they are also hilarious. They discuss topics of romance, coworkers, and age, with a marvelous sense of grace and humor. They are all charming, but for me it was Maggie Smith and Judi Dench that were the highlights of the film. The two have been friends for years, and when they talk with one another, they are both laughing so much they can barely get the stories out, and its' absolutely wonderful.

As witty and entertaining as this movie is, it does have its' emotional moments. Given the age of the four Dames, they do occasionally discuss some heavier topics and it is then where you can see the love and respect that these women share for each other. It is those small moments that make this film so touching.

Tea With the Dames is a rare type of documentary. Its' not tackling a large subject matter or focusing in on a specific person's life. It is simply allowing viewers to be privy to the intimate conversations between old friends, and I am so happy that the four accomplished actresses allowed for the film to be made, because its' one of the best.