Sweetie, darling. It’s been years, but honestly, some things never go out of style. Or maybe they do, and that’s exactly the point of the whole mess. When absolutely fabulous the movie finally hit theaters in 2016, the world was a different place. Instagram was just starting its pivot to video, and the concept of an "influencer" was still largely tied to people who actually sat in the front row of Paris Fashion Week rather than someone filming GRWM videos in a suburban bedroom.
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley didn't just reprise roles; they resurrected a chaotic energy that the 2010s desperately needed. It was loud. It was boozy. It was frequently offensive. It was exactly what you’d expect from the BBC’s most dysfunctional duo.
The High-Stakes Chaos of the Plot
The premise is basically a fever dream. Edina Monsoon is still trying to make "fetch" happen, though in her world, fetch is just any PR client with a pulse. She’s broke. Her career is on life support. Her daughter, Saffy (Julia Sawalha), is still the only adult in the room, which is a dynamic that has somehow remained fresh for three decades. Then, everything goes sideways at a high-profile fashion party.
Edina accidentally knocks Kate Moss into the River Thames.
Yes, the actual Kate Moss.
The media goes into a literal frenzy. Suddenly, Eddy is the most hated woman in Britain. What do you do when you've supposedly killed a national treasure? You run. You grab your best friend, a bottle of Bollinger, and you flee to the French Riviera. The movie shifts from a London satire into a full-blown caper. It’s ridiculous. It’s messy. It’s totally on brand for a show that always prioritized vibes over logic.
Why the Cameos Weren't Just Window Dressing
Usually, when a TV show becomes a film, the cameos feel forced. Like, "Look, there's a famous person! Please clap!" But absolutely fabulous the movie handles its guest stars with a weird kind of grace. Or lack thereof.
You’ve got Jon Hamm, Stella McCartney, Gwendoline Christie, and even Rebel Wilson. They aren't just there to pad the runtime; they represent the world Edina desperately wants to belong to. The irony is thick. These people are "actual" celebrities, yet they are just as absurd as our protagonists.
- Kate Moss: Playing a drowned version of herself is a level of self-deprecation most icons wouldn't touch.
- Lulu: Still the recurring punchline, still taking it like a champ.
- Graham Norton: Because you can't have a British media circus without him.
The film doesn't try to be "prestige" cinema. It’s a celebration of the fringe. It’s a middle finger to the polished, sanitized version of fame we see on social media today. Patsy Stone, with her beehive held together by hairspray and sheer willpower, is the antithesis of the "clean girl" aesthetic. And thank god for that.
The Saffy Factor: Why the Dynamic Still Works
We have to talk about Julia Sawalha. As Saffy, she has the hardest job in the franchise. She has to be the wet blanket. But in the movie, her exhaustion reaches a peak that feels incredibly relatable to anyone who has had to "parent" their own parents.
The tension between Eddy’s desperate need for relevance and Saffy’s desire for a quiet, dignified life is the emotional spine of the film. Without it, the movie would just be two old women drinking on a boat. With it, it’s a story about the terror of aging in a world that only values the "new."
A Cultural Relic or a Timeless Satire?
Is absolutely fabulous the movie a perfect film? No. It’s arguably too long and the middle section in the South of France drags a bit. But does it capture the essence of what made the original series a cult classic? Absolutely.
The critics were divided. Some felt the humor was dated. Others thought the pacing was off. But the fans? The fans didn't care. They showed up in drag, they brought their own prosecco (hidden in oversized handbags, naturally), and they roared. There is something deeply rebellious about watching two women in their 60s refuse to grow up, refuse to apologize, and refuse to stop wearing outrageous patterns that shouldn't exist in nature.
The Fashion (Or Lack Thereof)
Christian Lacroix might not be the household name he was in the 90s, but the costumes in this film are a masterclass in "more is more." Costume designer Rebecca Hale did a stellar job. Edina’s outfits are an assault on the eyes. They are loud, expensive, and ill-fitting. It’s a visual representation of her internal state—overwhelming and trying way too hard.
In contrast, Patsy remains a sleek, terrifying shark in a power suit. She is the eternal cool girl who doesn't actually like anything or anyone. The juxtaposition is why they work. One is the engine; the other is the exhaust.
The Legacy of the 2016 Release
Looking back from 2026, the film feels like a time capsule. It was released just before the world became significantly more "earnest." Today, a character like Edina Monsoon might be "canceled" within five minutes of the opening credits. She’s narcissistic, culturally insensitive, and a terrible mother.
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But that’s the point.
The show—and the movie—functions as a mirror. It mocks the very people who try to capitalize on trends. If you find Edina annoying, it’s because she is a distillation of every PR shark and "brand architect" currently polluting your LinkedIn feed. She was the original "hustler," just with more champagne and less actual productivity.
What to Watch For if You’re Revisiting
If you’re sitting down to watch it again, pay attention to the background. The movie is packed with visual gags that fly by. The "PR" offices are a nightmare of modern architecture and useless gadgets. The way the characters interact with technology—or fail to—is a subtle commentary on the generational gap.
Also, watch Joanna Lumley’s physical comedy. At her age, the way she moves, falls, and smokes is nothing short of athletic. She is a treasure.
How to Experience Ab Fab Properly Today
Don't just stream it on a Tuesday night while you’re folding laundry. That’s not the vibe. If you’re going to engage with absolutely fabulous the movie, you need to commit to the bit.
- Find the biggest screen possible. The colors are meant to be garish. Let them burn your retinas.
- Context is key. Watch a few episodes of the original 90s run first. Specifically, "Fashion" and "France." It sets the stage for the callbacks in the film.
- Check your judgment at the door. This isn't a film about moral growth. It’s about two people who are fundamentally incapable of change, and that is its greatest strength.
Actionable Takeaways for the Modern Fan
If you want to dive deeper into the world of Edina and Patsy, start with the "Ab Fab" podcast episodes or Jennifer Saunders’ autobiography, Bonkers: My Life in Laughs. It gives a lot of insight into how these characters were born from a sketch on the French and Saunders show.
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The film is currently available on most major VOD platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV, and it frequently cycles through streaming services like Hulu or Disney+ depending on your region.
The best way to appreciate the movie is to see it as a victory lap. It’s a chance to spend 90 minutes with characters who don't care about your "five-year plan" or your "wellness journey." They just want another drink and a front-row seat. In an era of curated perfection, that’s actually quite refreshing.
Go watch it. Wear something sequins. Drink something cold. It’s what Eddy would want. Or don't, she probably wouldn't notice anyway as long as you're paying for the Uber.