2022 marked the debut of Carrie Cracknell’s take on Persuasion by Jane Austen, starring Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis and Henry Golding. The film should have wowed but, instead, it fell flat. It received many mixed reviews, most of which were not impressed. The film adopted a Fleabag fourth wall style, which didn’t sit well with Austenites. Therefore, I present the best Jane Austen adaptations that won’t leave you angry at anybody that dares tackle a Jane Austen novel.
Emma (2020) dir. Autumn de Wilde
This film is one of my favourites of all time, and not because the book is my favourite book. Wilde strikes all the right notes with her take on Emma. Wilde translates Austen’s wit onto an ensemble of hilarious actors, including Miranda Hart and Bill Nighy. Anya Taylor Joy, who plays Emma, is perfect. She makes playing Emma look easy. She balances Emma’s ignorance with her excellence in a way that means you must love her. The costuming, setting and music is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Emma encapsulates the Regency era/modern day hybrid that Persuasion could not.
Pride and Prejudice (2005) dir. Joe Wright
Where to begin? It’s a film for the ages. Perhaps one of the most beautiful Austen adaptations of all time! Kiera Knightley (Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew MacFayden (Succession, Anna Karenina) take on Elizabeth and Darcy in this countryside meets Regency era adaptation. There are so many iconic scenes in this film, including *THAT* hand flexing scene. The film holds a candle to Austen while still branching away from her. It’s romantic, beautiful, and idyllic. Perfect for any mood you’re in!
Sanditon (2019-) dev. Andrew Davies
ITV are the unsung heroes of Austen adaptations with Sanditon. Austen’s unfinished novel, which she sadly died during writing, has been adapted into a TV series by the studio. Charlotte Heywood moves to Sanditon and meets a whole new world of people. The series follows Austen’s text up until her death. Luckily, the series has continued, and new plots are coming forward. This is a great adaptation because it extends beyond Austen’s work into new hands.
So, whether you loved Persuasion or hated it, don’t give up on Austen adaptations entirely. In fact, the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion is incredible. There is a Jane Austen adaptation out there, somewhere, for everyone.