Whenever we hear about a fresh new cinematic version of Jane Austen's 'Persuasion,' we get all excited about it since it is about the one author who has been successfully been able to use several different tools in her arsenal to mirror the 18th century English society, whether it is incorporating history or realism, she has been able to make her books still relevant in the modern-day society. No wonder she has earned immense acclaim and accolades from critics and scholars.
We are discussing Jane Austen's novels because Netflix, new Austen screen adaptation is all set to hit our screens. Yes, we are talking about, 'Persuasion.' It was Austen's sixth book which was published after her death in 1817. The Dakota Johnson starer sounds interesting because the film combines, contemporary with the evergreen classic. Period dramas are doing fairly well on Netflix, right from The Crown to Briderton, so it goes without saying that Persuasion will have a mammoth fan following too.
The Story
The film is based on Jane Austen’s sixth book and throws light on, Anne Elliot who lives in a family on the brink of bankruptcy, yet they are unwilling to sacrifice their hoity-toity ways. Anne Elliot is a young Englishwoman of twenty-seven years, whose family rents their home to an Admiral and his family to cover their expenses and save them from bankruptcy.
The admiral's wife's brother is the navy Captain Frederick Wentworth, who had been previously engaged to Anne but she had to break off the engagement because of the 'persuasion' of her family and friends. Seven years hence they meet again and while there is still underlying chemistry between the couple, a now-matured Anne gives love and romance a second chance. Her humorous take on love and romance gave the novel its most remarkable moments.
The novel became hugely successful in the 19th century and greater fame and acknowledgment followed Jane Austen in the wake of her book. Not only the character of Anne is regarded as one of her most mature ones yet, but it is also known for turning out to be a mature novel.
Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot
Everyone remembers Dakota from her film franchise, Fifty Shades of Grey, the audience loved her as Anastasia Steele. Of course, she has appeared in many other films, including How To Be Single, Suspiria, The Peanut Butter Falcon, The High Note, Bad Times at the El Royale, Wounds, and The Lost Daughter.
A historical period drama is a completely new genre for Anne Elliot and her fans are expecting her to nail this genre with as much alacrity as the other genres she has attempted till now. She looks fresh and quite apt for the role of Anne Elliot. The other actors including Cosmo Jarvis, Richard E. Grant, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and more add their own elements to the role.
The Director and The Creator
The movie has been helmed together by Carrie Cracknell and Ronald Bass along with Alice Victoria Winslow the scriptwriters. Andrew Lazar and Christina Weiss Lurie are the producers. As the trailer of the film dropped on the internet, there have been several opinions on the same. While some people just loved the look and feel of the movie, there are others who don't quite get the tone of the film. One of the most pertinent questions asked by concerned fans is will the story do justice to the era of yore?
As per the director Carrie Cracknell, the film will stay as close to the essence of Austen's original novel as much as possible. Of course, they are going to add a novel touch to their film, so their adaptation stands out among others. So, their heroine is a witty take on the ongoing sensibilities of the 18th century. They did not want to go for a dry documentary but make it as entertaining as possible, all the while conveying Austen's sensibilities.
It Releases On July 15, 2022
As they say, summer is incomplete without romance and Persuasion fits the bill for a romantic film perfectly. Fans can enjoy the film on 15th July, wearing their best attire and watching it, making them feel like they are part of the premiere. Come July, q15th watch the classic story unfolding right to a screen at your home!
Watch it and drop your reviews right here in the comments section below!
