Persuasion Review: Lacks the Jane Austen Charm!

Persuasion is a 2022 Netflix drama directed by Carrie Cracknell, based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen. Starring Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, Henry Goulding, the film begins when Frederick Wentworth — the one who got away — crashes back into Anne Elliot’s life. Eventually, she must pick between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart as far as second chances go.

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First off, Persuasion on Netflix lacks the Jane Austen charm. I didn’t read the book, but I have seen other Jane Austen films. In comparison to other films, this one doesn’t have the same Jane Austen spark. The main reason is the plot. The choice of breaking the fourth wall in Enola Holmes (2020), another Netflix period piece, was very effective.

However, in Persuasion, it feels out of place. It doesn’t fit within the Jane Austen universe. With Jane Austen movies, we want the long paragraphs directly from the book and the silent yearning. The soundtrack choices also did not feel like a Jane Austen film. They were trying to make it more modern, similar to Bridgerton but did not succeed.

Dakota Johnson was a very likable lead, and it was interesting seeing her in a more light-hearted comedic role. Henry Goulding, who was last seen in Snake Eyes, was also very charming. The movie had a beautiful aesthetic and stunning cinematography by Joe Anderson. The letter at the end was so Jane Austen!!! The movie was saved by the letter. It had the lines that we wish to hear in a Jane Austen film, and it made the film worth the watch.

‘Persuasion’ Rating – 3/5

Review by Maddy (@movieswithmaddy) 

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