Review: Modernizing Jane Austen Does More Harm than Good in the Netflix Adaptation of ‘Persuasion’

Jane Austen’s novels have become not only classic literature, but have been expertly adapted into successful motion pictures which still resonate to this day. The most notable adaptation is “Pride and Prejudice” starring newcomer at the time Kiera Knightley, and most recently “Emma,” which starred Anya Taylor Joy and propelled her into a megastar. The latest adaption is “Persuasion,” which may be the most difficult Austen novel to adapt. This is particularly for modern audiences, as the film centers around societal norms that relate to the Regency Era. 

The film follows Anne Elliot, played by Dakota Johnson, who looks the part and has a compelling English accent. Anne is the outcast of her family as she is without a husband — eight years ago she turned down a proposal, which according to her family was her once chance at love. She is still regretting her life choices, and she lives with her family until her father’s overspending makes the family leave and rent out their grand estate. The couple that moves in has a link to the proposal that Anne turned down years ago; and as most Austen novels, romance and turmoil ensue. 

Mixed Reviews of the Austen Adaptation

There have been a lot of mixed reviews for this film. The common flaw is that Anne narrates the whole film and breaks the fourth wall by talking to the audience and introducing them to each character. This is very reminiscent of Phoebe Waller Bridge’s iconic character of Fleabag, an obvious nod to the film wanting to make Austen tolerable for a modern audience. However, it comes across as forced and sticks out against the iconic language and wit of Austen. It feels like Director Carrie Cracknell is trying too hard to make the main character relatable to modern audiences. 

The casting of Johnson is the best part of this film, as she does look and sound the part of Anne. It is a different role for her to take on, and one that may change her career to resemble Kiera Knightley’s. However, the film’s tone is confusing. It flits between a modern narration of a twenty-something girl trying to navigate her family and a potential romance, but then contains Austen’s language and ideologies and is a more typical adaption. The film does have all the right potential but ultimately falls short. This is due to the Director’s obvious intentions to make the film modern. However, audiences love Austen’s work on-screen and unfortunately, this is not an adaptation they will reminisce for years to come. 

 

 

 

 

“Persuasion” is available to stream on Netflix.

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