Period drama fans have 'new favourite' in 'gorgeous' Netflix film

Edinburgh Live

5 days ago

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The last completed novel by literary legend Jane Austen is a classic tale that has been reimagined for the screen, starring A-list actress Dakota Johnson in a dramatic retelling of 19th-century life.
Austen enthusiasts and fans of period dramas are always seeking a taste of her timeless stories. Despite being centuries old, her works remain popular for their witty characters and passionate romances.
Persuasion offers both, and the 2022 film adaptation was highly anticipated by devotees of the author.
One viewer shared their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes: "People are mad it's not your usual Austen adaptation. It's funny, it's modern, it's cute, it's heart-wrenching... It'll make you laugh and make you cry. It's one of my favourite movies. Even if the two have zero chemistry!".
In the film, Johnson plays Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old English woman who moves to Bath with her family to reduce their expenses. They rent their estate to an admiral and his wife, whose brother, Frederick Wentworth, is Anne's former lover, reports Surrey Live.
(Image: Nick Wall/Netflix)
The pair were engaged in 1806 but parted ways after Anne was persuaded by loved ones to end the relationship. Eight years later, still single, they meet again and are given a second chance at love.
One review reads: "I love this version of Persuasion. It's visually beautiful; the use of colour and light, the outdoor scenes, costumes, and even the wallpaper! Just gorgeous. It also captures the humour of Jane Austen's novel in a way that feels more playful than previous versions.
"Anne speaking directly to the camera lends itself to the viewer being in on the joke. I'll admit I was ready to dislike Dakota Johnson as Anne but was pleasantly surprised with her portrayal."
The cinematic adaptation has taken the daring step of casting an American actress for a role steeped in British tradition, injecting the film with a gleeful twist - a move that has left audiences split. One critic said: "Dakota Johnson's accent is all over the place, and her acting skills are lacking. The story is so convoluted you can't keep up... especially if you are aware of what it truly is about... steer clear of this one."
(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)
Conversely, some advocates laud the film for its audacious approach, putting a contemporary spin on an age-old narrative. Their comments include: "Ahead of its time, this is that film which makes fools of its reviewers quickest off the mark. Granted, it is a jarring first watch, especially for Austen-genre enthusiasts. Its fourth-wall-breaking, modernised dialogue and playful actor interpretations are unexpected."
Cosmo Jarvis, who plays Johnson's love interest, is one of the main attractions of the film, in what is one of his most significant roles to date. The film also boasts performances from renowned actors such as Richard E. Grant and young British talent Mia McKenna.
Why not take a trip back in time and see if this period drama can win you over – will it capture your heart or leave you wishing they'd left the book alone?
The 2022 much-loved adaptation of Persuasion is now available for streaming on Netflix.