“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” tells the charming story of Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a widowed cleaning lady living in 1950s London who becomes enchanted by a couture Dior dress owned by one of her wealthy clients. Mrs. Harris dreams of owning a similar dress, and after a series of fortunate events, including a win at the football pools, she decides to take a trip to Paris with the goal of purchasing her own Dior gown.
Upon arriving in Paris, Mrs. Harris encounters snobbery and elitism from the staff at the House of Dior, who are not used to serving clients like her. Despite these challenges, her kindness, determination, and down-to-earth nature endear her to the staff and other clients. She befriends a model named Natasha (Alba Baptista) and the accountant André Fauvel (Lucas Bravo), and even inspires the workroom staff to fight for fair pay.
As Mrs. Harris navigates through the world of high fashion, she brings her own sense of justice and compassion, influencing the lives of those around her for the better. She helps André and Natasha find love, and she stands up for the seamstresses’ rights.
The climax of the film involves Mrs. Harris finally acquiring her dream Dior dress and attending a high-profile fashion event, where she is initially mistaken for a wealthy patron, only to reveal her true identity as a cleaning lady. Despite this revelation, she is celebrated for her authenticity and charm.
In the end, Mrs. Harris returns to London, bringing with her not just the dress, but also a renewed sense of confidence and a reminder of the impact genuine kindness can have. She also realizes that the true value lies not in the luxury of the dress but in the friendships and experiences she’s gained. The film closes on a high note, with Mrs. Harris contented and enriched by her Parisian adventure, her life changed forever by the pursuit of her simple dream.