Persuasion

Netflix’s Persuasion is based on the Jane Austen book of the same name, and follows Anne Elliott as she navigates love lost and found while balancing family dynamics. In this review we will be reviewing the film as it stands while not taking into account the original book.

Pros: Persuasion keeps very close to the source material and doesn’t try to be anything other than an Austen adaptation. While some adaptations will put modern twists, or try to introduce a new style, the only changes this film seems to make is subtly infusing modern speech into the traditional dialect. The film's use of breaking the 4th wall and having Anne interact with the audience makes this film stand out from other Austen films. As Anne comments on her family and their dynamics, she uses the 4th wall to include the audience in her commentary and helps the audience connect with her and her family.

Best Performance: Dakota Johnson is by far the best performance in this film. While she has been in the film industry for years, and was the lead in the Fifty Shades of Gray franchise, Johnson does not have the super star beauty that most people would expect and this works to her advantage. Johnson’s look is the adult version of the “Girl Next Girl” beauty. Not plain, but the beauty you would see in your own neighborhood as opposed to the bombshell. This look works to her advantage in acting as you can appreciate her beauty, but it does not distract from the performance. If Scarlett Johannson or Marilyn Monroe was cast as Anne, the audience would be more focused on their beauty than their acting skills. Johnson is witty in her speech, admirable in how she cares for her family, and a perfect representation of the middle child as her family overlooks all of these qualities for the louder sisters.

The Modern Touches: Many people have criticized how the film infused modern touches into this classic tale. However, with the exception of one instance where Anne refers to Mr. Elliot as a “ten” everything is weaved in quite well. Anne gives off Millennial vibes in her self awareness, creativity, and dramatics when she is by herself. These characteristics are by no means overbearing and don’t take away from the tone of the story, but instead subtly makes this world seem relevant to a modern audience.

The end scene has the song “Quietly Yours” by Birdy playing in the background.This song was created specifically for the film, and they chose the right artist to perform it. Birdy is known for her distinct vocals that have a very classic and indy sound. If the filmmakers had chosen someone like Olivia Rodrigo or Miley Cyrus to perform the song, their tones would have taken the audience out of the experience as their vocal styles don’t mix with this period or story.

Overall the film was an excellent adaptation and modernization of the classic Austen book and is by far one of my favorite Austen films. The wittiness, vulnerability, and relatability of the characters is exactly why Austen works have remained timeless no matter the adaptation.

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The Gray Man

REVIEWED BY LINDSEY