The Art of Us (2017) – Celebrates “Eliza Doolittle Day” with a Contemporary Twist on ‘My Fair Lady’

The Art of Us Review

Saturday, May 20th celebrated a special character that lives inside a classic, old-fashioned story. May the twentieth is Eliza Doolittle Day which places a spotlight on the leading lady of My Fair Lady. Whether or not Hallmark Channel was aware, this past Saturday they celebrated the day with an original, The Art of Us.

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Career minded and focused on everything outside her own creative pursuits, Dr. Harper Higgins (Taylor Cole) has a plan. She intends to earn a tenured position at the prestigious school she currently teaches at. To do this the art show she’s curating must run flawlessly. These plans crumble when the respected and well-known artist she’d secured drops the show.

There has never been a more serendipitous meeting than when Harper meets Tom (Steven Lund). Tom is struggling with settling into civilian life. The Army life is all he’s known, but as a means of relaxation, one thing he has taken up is painting. A creative pursuit, he’s very good at. Though he begins as Harper’s dog-walker, their relationship quickly evolves. But one white lie later and their respective – and joint, lives soon become very complicated.

As all of the movies on this network do, The Art of Us is sure to do one thing: leave you with a wide, happy smile at credits end. That said, there is more to admire about this contemporary romance than merely its ability to charm and enlighten. Based on a novel by Teri Wilson (of the same name), this script takes cues from a classic but makes the story all its own.

Wilson may also be a familiar name to those who watched and enjoyed Unleashing Mr. Darcy, which is a loose retelling of the Austen classic. Both of these films have become new favorites. I love that The Art of Us tells its own narrative while paying homage to the one of a kind story in My Fair Lady. From the meet cute (nod to the original given the scattered flowers) to Tom’s flower shop trips, and Harper’s collegiate thinking, without being overt, this story mirrors its inspiration.

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Familiar faces will fill your screen. From its leading lady, Taylor Cole (Christmas in Homestead, My Summer Prince, Appetite for Love) and leading man, Steven Lund (Christmas Incorporated), you’ll enjoy the comfortingly familiar. Though they’ve appeared with other co-leads (this is their first casting together), I enjoyed seeing these two interact. The romance is sweet, swoony (kisses in the rain!) and exactly as it should be for this story.

Best of all, the metropolitan setting helps set this story apart. So many stories go for the “cozier,” small town vibes whereas this one opted for a bigger backdrop. This lends vibrancy to the story and helps keep its artsy themes present. Also, a breath of fresh air is the lack of drama in this couple’s relationship! There’s no big explosion between them, emotional or otherwise. They’re honest with one another up front. And best of all? The ex is no threat to these soul mates.

If you enjoy staying in on a rainy Saturday night or wholesome romances in general, make sure you make a date with The Art of Us.

Where to Watch: Catch re-airings of The Art of Us on Hallmark Channel; check your listings. (It plays again this coming weekend, May 27th and 28th.)

Content Note: This film is rated TV-G (there’s nothing offensive).

OVERALL RATING

“Hello, Gorgeous.”

ROMANCE RATING

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My

feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me

to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

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