‘Brilliant’ period drama adaptation fans say ‘Jane Austen would have loved’ | Films | Entertainment

Fans of period dramas and Jane Austen’s beloved literary classics have a treat in store, with this distinctive adaptation of one of her most celebrated novels now available to stream on Netflix.

Viewers are declaring “Austen herself would’ve loved this adaptation of her book”, as audiences simply cannot get enough of the captivating period drama.

The 2022 film Persuasion is based on Austen’s 1817 novel of the same name, with Dakota Johnson taking the lead role. Johnson has garnered widespread praise from both critics and audiences alike for her charismatic and compelling portrayal of Austen’s heroine, Anne Elliot.

Helmed by director Carrie Cracknell, with a screenplay crafted by Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow, Persuasion features Cosmo Jarvis, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Richard E. Grant, and Henry Golding alongside Johnson.

The television film enjoyed a brief theatrical release before making its Netflix debut a week later on July 15, 2022, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In a 2022 interview with Glamour UK, Johnson reflected on her character Anne and what drew her to bringing the role to life on screen: “It was a great juxtaposition to play a character who is both immensely emotional and vulnerable and also incredibly sharp. [Anne] has incredible strength and weakness all in the same moment.

“And that to me was very, just exciting and, and I found it, so true, you know, so much like me and people, I know women, I know who can be so incredibly strong and incredibly vulnerable at the same time. I appreciated that.”

Persuasion’s official plot states: “Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is a nonconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth–the dashing one she let get away–crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances. Adapted from the Jane Austen novel.”

The film garnered considerable praise from audiences, with one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer writing: “I loved it. Accomplished acting and true to the spirit of Jane Austen.”

Another viewer said: “Loved it! Captures Austen’s wit and cynicism of the age and class which was the subject of this story making it accessible to today’s audience. Brilliant!”

While one enthusiastic fan shared in a review: “I loved it. Is it 100% true to classic Austen? No but I feel like the humor and some situations were updated a bit but true to the overall storyline. Fact is, some of the customs from Austen’s time don’t really translate all that well to now.

“And while I love a faithful adaptation like PandP 1995 mini series, I also loved this take on persuasion. I laughed out loud at a lot of the dialog. The actors were all perfectly cast and Johnson was charming and engaging. I liked her breaking the fourth wall occasionally. It made it more real for some reason. I’d highly recommend it.”

Praise for Johnson was widespread, with one critic writing: “Dakota Johnson’s scintillating performance in Jane Austen’s Persuasion puts a new complexion on the beloved story.”

While another reviewer said of the adaptation: “A sprightly, smart and winsome update on the Jane Austen novel with a refreshing multicultural cast and Dakota Johnson’s winning performance humorously breaking the fourth wall.”

Nevertheless, it cannot be overlooked that a portion of viewers remained distinctly unimpressed with this interpretation of Austen’s classic, with one critic writing: “This version of Persuasion has a few terrific things about it, but the overall package is… less than persuasive.”

One disgruntled viewer, unhappy with the contemporary spin on Austen’s work, shared: “I wish they didn’t do a modern take to it. It just really ruined it for me. If they made it into a modern day adaptation in 2020s London or NYC then sure. I just hate it when they do stuff like this and ruin a classic.”

Yet enough people embraced the film wholeheartedly, with one viewer saying: “I loved it! An Austen fan having devoured her wonderful novels (multiple times) from teenage years. I have watched this version on Netflix multiple times and I can’t help feeling that Jane Austen too would have loved it. It captures the irony and satire beautifully.”

While another impressed critic said: “A revolutionary and entirely charming new interpretation of the material.”

Persuasion is available to stream on Netflix.