Netflix's PERSUASION Adaptation is a MESS 🥴

Dear Netflix and Dakota Johnson, what was that?? As a Jane Austen stan and lover of Persuasion, this film felt like a fever dream, and one I so badly wanted to wake up from. Let’s talk about why exactly this adaptation didn’t work and why the Austen girlies are so angry 😐
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
01:13 Where This Adaptation Went Wrong
02:22 (A Very Chaotic) Film Reaction
04:23 A Breakdown of Persuasion & Why I Love It
07:13 Wannabe Emma 2020
09:54 The Appeal of Anne Elliot
11:43 The Modernized Language
12:56 BIPOC in Period Dramas
14:28 Rising Above the Mediocrity
15:21 Lackluster Leads
17:24 So Now What??
19:25 Outro
Where to Find Me:
Instagram: / fulloflit
Goodreads: / daria
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Music: / butter
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Thanks so much for watching!!

[@jennymurcia5150]

I am wondering if you’ve thought of doing a battle of adaptions Pride and Prejudice edition? Please, bless us with that content!

[@jennymurcia5150]

@@FullofLit this is what dreams are made off ❤️

[@suburbanbeatnik]

@@FullofLit Don't forget the 1980 P&P-- I feel it is so underrated!

[@ladyenaira9726]

Yes! 1980 has my favorite Lizzie in it! And a kind of sweet Mr Collins. The scene where Charlotte makes him "the happiest of men"...♥️

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

@@FullofLit Looking forward to those! Also: a BIG thank you for the honest warning about this film. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel so it really is wisest for me to avoid this movie entirely. Excellent video!

[@Lillith.]

@@FullofLit please include the Italian and Dutch versions of P&P. I had a ton of fun with them.

[@lydiawalker0714]

I had a bad feeling about this movie as soon as I found out Dakota Johnson was playing Anne. She already isn't who I'd picture as this character, and the writing, judging by the trailer alone, only made it worse. By turning Anne into a snarky "feminist" girl boss, the writers are perpetuating the idea that only one type of woman can be the leading lady. It's so annoying 🙄

[@janellio]

someone said that dakota johnson's is a face that has definitely seen a cellphone

[@Manu-dp4ls]

@@janellio sorry I'm clueless as hell, what does that mean?

[@AmyL._orcgirl]

@@Manu-dp4ls that she's too modern and can't convincingly play in a period piece.

[@Manu-dp4ls]

@@AmyL._orcgirl Ohh I see. Thanks

[@Lucy-yx5vg]

I was honestly ready to enjoy it just for her because I love her as an actress but the whole Fleabag, camera winking, modern splicing, etc. thing and almost every single thing was just... yeah. Nope.

[@paolap.5680]

The only good thing about this movie is that the portrayal of Anne is SO far removed from the book that, in my mind, this was not Persuasion, it was a random Bridgerton-esque Netflix movie. I watched it and felt nothing, luckily, because Persuasion is my favourite novel.

[@thenewkhan4781]

lucky you, I felt fury. It was actually a final nail to the Netflix coffin for me.

[@kembolynleighton8534]

I’d like to give Bridgerton the credit for at least going along with the story and the author’s portrayal of the characters. I always have to defend it in that. It may not be your tastes but it is how it’s meant to be. This was just a mess.

[@rochelle178]

That is good to hear. I am always cautious to watch movie/tv adaptations of my favourite books because I don't want their interpretation to cloud my mind when I read the book again. But if it doesn't even feel like it's connected to the novel at all, it's unlikely that'll be an issue lol

[@reecegraham6921]

Yo fr the only time I felt anything from this movie is whenever Henry Golding shows up all sleazy (or whenever he’s on the screen tbh lol) and whenever the sister is around

[@kookiecream7259]

Sameee. After I finished the movie I was like " oh wait it's supposed to be persuasion."

[@VickiWeavil]

Everything you said is true. Another one of the scenes that made me scream at the screen is the dinner party where Anne blurts out that her brother-in-law wanted to marry her first, which... No way would Anne ever do such a thing! Embarrass members of her family in front of others? No, no, no.

[@jessicahawkes9637]

I agree with this so much. It was this scene that bothered me the most. I kinda yelled at my screen. I couldn't figure out why they did this because it made her just as prideful and arrogant as the rest of the Elliots. Anne is supposed to be the kind, constantly giving, and good character on the story.

[@tinyfreckle]

I stopped watching after that, I couldn't even continue for the purpose of hate-watching. It was just too wrong.

[@meypuim2951]

That was such a weird scene. It's amazing that they didn't cut it out. This whole film felt like it was a parody. They couldn't even get the casting right. And then adding people of color was even more of a joke. This is not how diversity is supposed to be portrayed. There is nothing honest about it. And as a minority myself, it's so embarrassing and horrific

[@L.Spencer]

When she yelled out the window at Wentworth...

[@windycityliz7711]

Oh, no, did they really do THAT?!?

[@bananaboat805]

What pissed me off the most was the implication that Anne Eliot was a modern sloppy drunk. Persuasion, brought to you by the writers of Bridgerton. They better stay miles away from Sense and Sensibility. I can't bear to have them do this to Eleanor ( the Austen heroine I most identify with)

[@kittikats]

No, the Bridgerton writers would have more respect than that. They'd make a strong willed independent thinking woman but one that can still play by the societal rules. This was ... you ever see those things where they feed an AI a bunch of media then make it create its own version? And it kinda makes sense but is a weird, grotesque Frankenstein monster of ideas and themes. This feels like that.

[@loradow5543]

Agreed. Watched it last night and kept thinking “why did they try to turn Anne Elliott into Lizzie Bennet”? Also didn’t think I could find Henry Golding uncharming but they managed that handily. If they had given this story the full “Clueless” treatment, it might have worked much better… because some of the modernizations - like Mary’s toxic self-help - were kind of hilarious.

[@silverlily35]

I agree re the Clueless comment! I actually thought maybe they had originally written this script as a modern adaptation (especially the Mary stuff, which is clearly skewering modern Instagram-type culture) and then someone forced them to set it in the Regency era because of Bridgerton’s success (without actually changing the script much).

[@Lililililili333]

I loved the toxic self help!! 😂😂

[@dawncathlene]

Agreed! I think if they went more Clueless it could have been great. And I feel like his sleazy demeanor was for nothing....He simply made out w Mrs Clay and then everyone was at the wedding? It's like they skipped important stuff in his storyline and rushed it in just to fit it in by the end of the movie.

[@CM-pf1xc]

Yes!!! Why did they even try to make this type of adaption a period piece!

[@CM-pf1xc]

@@dawncathlene yes

[@ThePinkBaroness]

As someone who literally delved into the history of some of Beethoven's compositions *for a crack Pride and Prejudice fic I was writing,* the thing that enraged me most of all about this adaptation is that they say that Anne played Für Elise at dinner when that composition was not released to the public until after Beethoven's death, about 10 years after this novel's release. How did I as a fic writer get that more accurate than the Netflix people? That is all.

[@marianahernandez4679]

I had to google it when she said that because it felt off and it made me so angry! Like such an unnecessary anachronism

[@Draconisrex1]

You CARE. They don't. You think they should. But that's not how the business works. It's only 'how many people watch it vs how much it cost.' And you think this perversion of Austen is bad, I hope you're not a Tolkien fan, because what Amazon is doing to Tolkien is a crime.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

That's typical of Netflix. They had stiletto heels in the first Bridgerton series yet they weren't invented until the late 50s. I'm fine with blind colour casting but am put off when such mistakes are made as it shows a complete lack of care for detail.

[@cristiag1]

Omg you are a total different level 😂, great point tbh

[@smurfette_blues7922]

@@voulafisentzidis8830I mean.... bridgerton has lightbulbs invented in it and modern pop songs played by the orchestra. Its innacurate, to the point that one could even say it's an alternate universe of the regency era rather than a re-enactment of it. Whether you like it or not, i think you can give it credit for never really setting out for accuracy in the first place. But i think where bridgerton gets it right and persuasion doesnt, is how it has historical innacuracy but not without thought behind it. The pop songs are at least chosen because they add to the themes of a scene; the light bulbs' presence although innacurate make an interesting spectacle and elevates the fantasy. The fur elise inclusion in persuasion just comes off lazy and uninspired.

[@Nicole-Leigh]

"There is space for all the Emmas of the world, the Lizzies of the world, the Annes of the world..." so very true. Loved this review and this comment. For curiosity alone, now I will have to see this. Anne's magic has always been the mantle of a quiet kindness, intelligence and selflessness.

[@nalublackwater9729]

Thank you producers, for taking away the only refuge that shy, introverted women had to see that even us are valid. Nowadays you have to be the girlboss at all times, which is but another form of the typical and eternal "popular girl at high school". No place for us bookworm nerds, unless it involves a make-over montage to turn us into the above.

[@moonchild977]

I just finished this movie, and I was so angry at it lol this isn’t my Anne, and I hated that they tried to tell me that it was, even after they only showed her being a snarky alcoholic. Anne is my favorite Austen lady - she’s soft yet strong, understated elegance. and the whole novel could be called “understated”. it’s about yearning, and endurance, and longing glances. they just destroyed everything that makes the story work at all

[@Seri99no]

Exactly.

[@AnaAcuraErica]

I really need to read all the other books bcus of the one I read - I can see this movie in a new age production 😑 Dakota did a great job breaking that 4th wall every time! So what am I missing? The ending was dumpster fire as far as plots go - but they’re working off of book material!!!!!!

[@moonchild977]

@@AnaAcuraErica Dakota did her best with what she had, but what she had was awful, imo. this quirky upbeat humor just doesn’t suit the story at all. Persuasion has funny moments, but it isn’t a comedy. Anne is older, more mature, hurt by the past, and so is Frederick. the whole story feels more somber until they are united. this movie ruined one of Austen’s most beautiful declarations of love, with Anne staring at the camera the whole time 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@melaniewilliams4312]

It's so bad.... honestly. Good God

[@jessicahawkes9637]

Totally agree with you. There is more than one type of Heroine and they tried to go for more of a Emma with a little bit of Alcott's Jo March I thought but badly done. It was disappointing that they didnt understand Anne's personality at all. She is my fav Austen character in a way that has a hidden resilience like Eleanor Dashwood. That deep down she has such strong emotions but feels like her chance of happiness is gone. So with this shows a outward strength to keep moving forward with kindness. We got this in the other 2 adaptations and I wish this had it. One of the parts that really bothered me was Anne blurting out she was the one who was going to marry Charles. So wrong made everyone uncomfortable and in a way made her as arrogant as the other Elliot's.

[@emmapierskalla7622]

The 'girlbossiffying' thing is something that happens too much in any tv medium. There is a female character that would have been feminine and internal or traits that are considered feminine. They get ripped out, or the character will shame those traits. They make the internal peacefu, or feminine person someone with no emotion that can beat someone up. It is like they are making them more masculine in stereotypical male traits. Makes me sad that that is what it comes down to.

[@cynthiacollins2056]

You are so correct, it happens with a lot of period pieces, some time I expect the characters to whip out a cell phone.

[@MyMonique28]

100%

[@missbinet]

Totally agree. I watched it last night and i screamed "Did they actually read the book?!" in the middle of the movie. What a disaster

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

I said the same thing when watching. I also told my gf: I'm glad this movie supports high school students, as obviously it was high school students that wrote the script for english class, and then had the drama club perform it.

[@kittikats]

I think they Lionel Hutz - Ed. I watch a rerun of it at a bar last night and the sound was off but I think I got the gist.

[@alexandrabeneteau3723]

One might imagine that if you love “Persuasion”, you understand subtext and the power of what is not said. Actions speak louder than words but as someone who has read this book many times, taking Austen’s words away makes it both unfamiliar and totally without a purpose. The distinct flavours are totally lost. What a waste. Tell the story or don’t. Maybe just don’t.

[@anac5656]

This is THE comment

[@jessicahawkes9637]

Absolutely! This is why I have always loved Anne and Frederick Wentworth. This is my thoughts exactly and why the script was awful.

[@nissicardenas5435]

What a waste all i can is that it was horrible 😞

[@MuffinLordKeychu]

As soon as Anne saw Wentworth and said "You look old!" I knew this adaptation had ruined her character

[@auntyjo1792]

"Girl power" switch of characters there.

[@nurse0857]

Weird choice considering Anne believed the years apart had been kind to him and given him a more openly, manly look. Definitely glad I didn’t bother with this one.

[@jmilitala14]

Exactly! The Jane Austen "Anne" would never say such a thing out loud. She's so subdued. That's what we all loved... besides she loved how much older he looked. I saw the trailor and knew this was going to be trash 🥺

[@pesha600]

Ridiculous!

[@emilian7052]

I’m sorry but who the hell is in charge of the script?! “You look old!” Is just a tragic line 💀

[@taz2906]

“You can’t have a good adaption if you fundamentally misunderstand the main character.” This is why I have yet to find an adaption of Mansfield Park I can stand

[@lil-lionryan]

I watched the movie with Finnish subtitles, and in those Mary's line was "I'm an empathetic person." Reading that and then hearing her say "empath" a beat later was like getting hit in the face.

[@squeaky748]

They had such anti chemistry I had never read persuasion by jane Austen so I thought they weren't gonna end up together and I thought the message of the movie was you don't have to recreate the past

[@phelineS]

I felt that there was more chemistry between Anne and Mr. Eliott than with Wentworth. So weird that I was kind of rooting for them for a moment.

[@Applebliss99]

There were moments that were endearing like Anne yelling Frederick and then hiding, I busted out laughing at that, but the movie really couldn't figure out what it was trying to do and it lost all the wonderful pining angst of the source material. The whole POINT of Persuasion is that these two people can't and won't say how they feel for fear of vulnerability and rejection and the characters in this adaptation don't sell this. I don't believe that this "Anne" wouldn't just tell him she's still interested. I honestly think Dakota Johnson could have done a good Anne but this production was just messy as hell and completely altered the lead character

[@Mrsamj1989]

Also what’s with the PDA? Mr. Elliot was passionately making out with that lady in public but that was a big no no in high society. 🤷‍♀️

[@V1sual3y3z]

@@Mrsamj1989 oooo, that bothered me!

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

I was bothered by too much of it. Whoever decided that Anne should crassly announce during dinner that her brother-in-law proposed to her first, knows nothing about Anne's character and, in all likelihood, didn't bother to read the book.

[@V1sual3y3z]

@@voulafisentzidis8830 very true! i was taken aback. She was quick witted and even mannered one minute and foolish the next.

[@Applebliss99]

@@Mrsamj1989 at that point the whole movie was so farscial that I was just shaking my head and mouthing "what?!" haha

[@ncr1264]

Completely agree with everything you said! The film did so many things that bothered me and were just bad storytelling. 1) It wholly misinterpreted Anne as a character. 2) The film did a lot of “telling” rather than “showing.” For example Wentworth tells Anne that he admires her and trusts her judgement. The creators could have simply shown this through the Louisa falling incident as they did in the 2007 version. 3) There are several instances wherein the movie contradicts itself. One case is Anne’s description versus her actions. She is often referred to as kind but none of her actions supported this view. She’s is constantly judging others, side eyeing, and delighting in drama (Mr. Elliot’s scheming seemed to entertain her more than disturb).

[@JR-sx3gl]

Yeah, it was like "tell and than show". When Ann was going to Mary and explained what's about to happen 🤦

[@husseinmuhammed828]

🤣🤣🤣🤣It wasn’t that they misinterpreted they tried to do something and it didn’t go to plan , this is Jane Austen they should have kept things as they were

[@sims2lovealot]

I don't have a problem with colourblind casting persay, but I just wish instead of casting POC in white roles, they would film stories actually *about* POC. I want to see and hear their stories as POC and learn about their experiences, not see them slapped into a story about white people and expect it to be praised as "diverse".

[@30goals]

im the complete opposite , its lovely to watch a story where its not in neon signs 'THIS IS A PERSON OF COLOUR, THEY ARE DIFFERENT' - when its NOT treated as a big deal then its great.

[@sims2lovealot]

@@30goals Oh no I totally love seeing POC included in stuff, that's great and I wish there was more of it. But my point is that everytime we see this whole "look at us we're diverse" thing is when POC are shoved into stories that are set in a time period where it does draw attention to it because that would literally never have happened and then expect to be patted on the back for ticking off the diverse card. I don't want to see stories of white people in regency England with POC included because "diversity", I want to actually see the real stories of POC and see their native clothing and culture and learn about them. Because including them in white stories isn't actually inclusive, we're not learning about their stories, we're just seeing them transplanted on white people's stories.

[@Lppt87]

I agree. Is like there are only this options for black people in hollywood. Either appropriate an originally white character. Play victims in any movie slavery or racism. Play fighting warrios wakanda style. Where is the movies where black women are femenine…in historically accurate stories that involve poc that aren’t playing victims, magical warrios or colored white characters but just them daily live.

[@sims2lovealot]

@@Lppt87 Yup! Where's the stories where they're the romcom heroine? Where's the stories where they're the lead of a chick flick drama? Where's the stories where they're the hero of a comedy without the joke being that they're POC? These kinds of movies are sadly very few and far between.

[@Brandon-fv5sm]

I think that the sad part is is that from other reviews I have seen, the actors did a good job with their roles but the movie is so poorly done it diminishes their work. I completely agree with you. If I am watching a period piece about a west African group, don’t throw in Asian to be diverse. It is odd. They could have made their own completely funky adaption of persuasion with different ethnicities, had fun with the costumes, but actually stayed true to the actual characters and had a brilliant movie! If you do period do period. I have seen many “period” pieces where they have obviously made a point to modernize the costumes and bring in different groups of people and it was really fun to watch!

[@furihreunsicherheit3624]

This adaptation deserves all the criticism it receives. Jane Austen would be rolling in her grave. Netflix seems almost pathological in its pursuit of "death of the author" and/or disregard for source material in their laughable "adaptations".

[@captLizzie]

The worst part is this isn’t even Death of the Author. DotA simply states that the meaning of a work is taken from the mix of the work and the reader. It does NOT mean that you can say the meaning is whatever you want-with all literary criticism (which is the realm DotA comes from) you have to provide evidence to support your position. Watching the internet butcher my personal favorite mode of lit crit /kills/ me because no one is using it correctly

[@carolgnojewski6593]

I hated everything about this version especially that when they actually used lines from the book they gave them to the wrong characters

[@LuizGustavo-yh4qd]

As someone who hadn't read the book, I also thought the lead pair had not enough chemistry. There was a moment I sincerely thought she would end up with Mr. Elitot because at least there was a bit of excitement there.

[@jeniserobinson8585]

Right, no chemistry at all! I almost stopped watching it.

[@gixmonster]

The book is great though and, as reviewed, not like this movie! So hopefully it hasn't turned you off checking out the book:)

[@CM-pf1xc]

I heard they wanted Golding as wentworth but he wanted to be bad guy!

[@frankathl1]

An interesting response, with which I agree, as Wentworth looks a bit rough hewn for Anne’s taste (although it would assert Ms Elliot’s independent spirit). Also, maybe I’m prejudiced, having seen Cosmo Jarvis in Lady Macbeth, where he played a farm worker who fell in lust with the ‘lady’ of the house.

[@margieura1146]

I totally agree with you! I didn't feel the chemistry with the leads, the fourth wall didn't work for me, the modernizing of language (use of the word "cheaper" instead of "prudent economizing"), and Wentworth's lack of longing and pain in Anne's presence in more silent subtle ways. I've loved the previous two versions, but not this one. It was all played out too tongue in cheek and Anne's character seemed much changed. I loved Season 2's Bridgerton, previous Persuasion viewings, and Colin and Matthew's Darcy, but not this offering. However, I did like the diversity and the supporting cast. I am disappointed because I eagerly awaited it and stayed up until Midnight for it to drop on the West Coast. :(

[@marigeobrien]

Did you miss when Ann was looking through her Wentworth memorabilia and called a stack of sheet music her "playlist?"

[@margieura1146]

@@marigeobrien Right??? I did a double cringe when I heard it! Implanting modern-day language into this Regency period classic was distracting from the story line and definitely made it less plausible for me.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

@@marigeobrien I cringed with each use of modern text (exes, playlist, etc.). The whole film seemed too light and frothy for my taste although the actors were fine. I felt let down by the script, and the characters' lack of depth.

[@susivarga7303]

If only that diversity you liked so much would have been done for the right reasons...

[@margieura1146]

@@voulafisentzidis8830 I absolutely agree with you! I felt the same way. I sincerely wanted to love this adaptation because I highly anticipated it.

[@jessy638]

I’ve heard this screenwriter wants to adapt P&P and S&S and I’m just like - please let Autumn de Wilde do it instead if it must be done. Ugh

[@v2807]

It must not be done!!! Please!

[@alyzu4755]

I also love the 2007 version, but the 1995 version is my absolute favorite. (I'd seen Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root on stage a couple years earlier in a number of productions, so I was already a fan of them both.). I think I'll skip the 2022 adaptation. ☺️

[@sosewregency5905]

me too. On all points.

[@judithmacfadzen9516]

Good choice!

[@jackienaiditch7965]

Aw, come on. I think you need to suffer like the rest of us.

[@marguerittetwinkle3624]

Wait, that other productions? I've only seen them in Persuasion and The Man Who Cried. I just love them together, great chemistry.

[@alyzu4755]

@@marguerittetwinkle3624 I saw them in "Troilus and Cressida" and "The Seagull" at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991. ☺️

[@deniserodriguez7441]

I was looking forward to this adaptation despite the changes that everyone talked about. I can handle the modernized language and the quirky takes, but cannot get behind a film where the charactets have no chemistry or angst. I think that is why I like the 1995 version the best, because of all the glimpses you see of Wentworth being acutely aware of where Anne is at all times, despite his wanting to prove that he was over her and was moving on.

[@zoilaa9962]

Those looks and dialogue of Captain Wentworth in the 1995 movie are priceless, oh and the way they present the letter, wow! I love this movie so much lol.

[@dawncathlene]

Yes! The characters had no chemistry, but I missed the glimpses from Wentworth that he was struggling, too, that he returned her feelings and just didn't want to say anything.

[@sosewregency5905]

That is my favorite Persuasion film version too. Just lovely

[@srkh8966]

@@dawncathlene they have great chemistry

[@srkh8966]

Yes, it really shows the internal struggle and agony of Anne and Wentworth

[@pandesel]

I looked up the director of this film, Carrie Cracknell. Turns out she's a British theater director and such would explain why this adaptation looks theater-ish by breaking the fourth wall all the time and "Anne" talking to the audience, or rather EXPLAINING EVERYTHING that's going on. This plot device just didn't work here though. Netflix assumes the audience is just dumb.

[@knightleyemma]

Sooo much explaining… & some of the actors weren’t really doing much of the showing (AKA acting)!

[@zoilaa9962]

The 1995 movie was so quiet and understated and yet all the characters were fleshed out and lovely, even Henry Hayter's character was understood as far as where he fit in the story

[@kateorgera5907]

If she's a theater director, she should have made this a theater piece! Theatrical adaptations can get away with so much more than a film adaptation (see: Kate Hamill's adaptations of Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice), especially in terms of using modern language in a period piece

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

I hate scripts that explain everything to the fourth wall. (I also hate Dune for the whispering, and that's a fave movie/book of mine.) I've done nearly 300 theater shows in 3 countries, including directing Off-Broadway and writing, and I hate treating audiences as dumb. Let's not promote more dumbness. And, if folks are watching something of this style, they're likely well educated. I actually left directing a show because the producer literally wanted me to explain the very non-complicated story to the audience before the curtain, and do a Q&A after (a couple were divorcing as the husband had too many regrets, that was it), and I just refused. I heard the replacement director did that very thing, and the most of the cast was humiliated. Audiences are not dumb. Society might be, but treating it like that isn't helping. FURTHER, if you have to explain and explain and explain, spend an extra month re-working your script. A good writer doesn't need explaining..

[@annabeinglazy5580]

That at least explains the boring direction and editing. I mentioned to my Partner how this felt Like watching a Stage Play because the shots were Just... Stagnant. If the director usually works in Theater maybe she wasnt confident enough to Play around with her camera Angles.

[@emmavink]

Yes, they did the same thing to Fanny Price's character essentially in the Mansfield Park 1999 adaptation. They turned a purposefully submissive character into a stereotypical "leading lady", removing all nuance and essence of the original character. Poor Dakota Johnson needs to step away from doing super popular book adaptations. They have not served her career well. And she has been so frikking good in other movies! Especially lately. This movie seems like a step back for her :( I really, really enjoyed your analysis, thank you!

[@solola5632]

Let's pray Netflix bosses don't know about this book existing, because we'll have one more mediocre movie to feel angry about:)

[@saranemcova5448]

Not a fan of adaptation of Mansfield Park, but it at least still showed Fanny being introverted and while she was snarky talking to the viewer, she never seemed much talking to other characters. What they did with Anne was much, much worse. Fleabag works because she is put in very bad situations and surrounded by modern characters who are also assholes. And the creators always know when to stop, show her better side, make viewer sympathize with her or at least enjoy the drama. Anne just comes of as whiny.

[@robbiekoziol3144]

how wild is it that you could live 200 years ago and still be someone who everyone knows and your book lives on ? so cool!

[@simplysara9717]

"I question whether anyone who wrote the script actually read Persuasion" My thoughts 100% -- just uploaded my review now too, total failure of a film!

[@ginayoung4174]

Your live reactions are me and my friends watching the movie. It was an almost 2 hour drama of us being absolutely offended by this adaptation!

[@exmrsnowwomanscorned8369]

My face throughout the movie was just cringing😬. "What the hell is going on here?!!"

[@violacesario4389]

I haven't read Persuasion, so saw the movie with relatively unbiassed eyes. Daria, you mentioned the two main things that also stood out to me: (1) Anne and Wentworth's complete lack of chemistry; in fact, I didn't perceive any emotions at all from Wentworth; (2) the lack of romance and romantic language; the movie seemed too modernized, and I really missed the flowery language. Like you said, that's why we watch period pieces! What a disappointing waste of good actors. The music is beautiful, though.

[@krustomer]

Same! The ending didn't make much sense either

[@daonlyboriqua11]

I didn’t read it either so that’s probably why I enjoyed it overall lol I think most people irrationally angry about it. Its so not that serious 😂 However I agree that there wasn’t enough romance or romantic language. Im not entirely bothered about it being slightly modern but there was a couple lines that instantly got my attention and took me out of the period. Overall i liked it tho. Wish the romantic chemistry was better though.

[@rem-cy8ro]

YES AND YES. There is no freaking chemistry

[@marguerittetwinkle3624]

Girl, the book is so so so good, plus, if you decide to watch any other version, start watching the 1995 version, it is the best.

[@violacesario4389]

@@marguerittetwinkle3624 Thanks for the tip!

[@jennymcniven]

Anne. Is. Not. Snarky. Or a drunk. It was just.... maddening how they could so fundamentally misunderstand a character who is so wonderfully written. I wanted to feel Anne's private anguish (as done so brilliantly by Sally Hawkins) and be brought to tears by how her restraint keeps her heart locked away. I felt nothing for this Anne. In fact, I was baffled by how they kept having other characters go off on monologues about how good and virtuous "Anne" is when the version in this movie was clearly none of those things. The whole thing was baffling, but I totally agree about the casting, I am ALL for it!

[@ladyenaira9726]

There are some good examples for breaking the 4th wall - like "Gentleman Jack" or "Enola Holmes". Explaining just erverything to the audience feels just disturbing. I agree with you completely on erverything. The worst moment was when she started talking about that octopus...

[@CM-pf1xc]

That was so weird. AND blurting out at dinner that Charles wanted to marry her first!!!?? And they didn’t even show all weird dynamics with Charles (with his fam with Mary with Anne) , who is really such an interesting character in the book.

[@tessasmith1477]

Agreed. Those worked much better

[@sarah4hp]

I couldn't get through it. When Anne shouted out that Charles wanted to marry HER first I was done - like, WTF??? To be fair, if Anne had actually seemed like Anne up until that, I might have been able to overlook it, but yeah... off to watch my copy of the 2017 version of Persuasion, because I need to ACTUALLY see Anne and Fredrick's love story, not whatever that was. So sad, because I was actually really excited to see it, and for Dakota to play Anne, but yeah... even though I tried telling myself to give it a chance I just couldn't handle any more cringe and frustration

[@merrittstults8213]

Seeing how they treated Anne’s character makes me sad that we will probably never get a good new Mansfield park adaptation (one of my favorites) any time soon because fanny price is not an easily marketable girlboss heroine

[@daliladasilva9674]

What a waste when Anne reads Wentworth's letter that is totally beautiful, romantic and painful: "I am half hope and half agony" and it passed unnoticed. I saw the film thinking that it would be a comedy, but that it would find the essence of the main characters, but that did not happen. It's my favorite Jane Austen story and I still haven't decided which of the adaptations I like better, the one from 1995 or the one from 2007. I agree with your comments, thanks for sharing them

[@deathandcats]

1995, with Ciaran Hinds 😍😍😍

[@MeliMant]

Honestly, I'm devastated because Persuasion is probably my favorite Jane Austen book and I was looking forward to this adaptation so much the disappointment feels so heavy.

[@jjjnettie]

I watched the movie last night. It was not Jane Austen's "Persuasion", that was not the Anne Elliot we love. Tonight I will cleanse my palette with both the Sally Hawkins and Amanda Root versions. While those 2 versions have their faults, they are leagues ahead of the current one.

[@tessasmith1477]

Love Hawkins and Root! They are both amazing

[@carokat1111]

I can’t fault the Root version. I think it’s perfect.

[@pesha600]

Hear,hear!

[@pippiecarr9378]

I did that straight after I watched the movie.

[@TaylorTatorbugHansen]

Your critiques of the film are what I couldn’t explain in my own thoughts about the film. I never read the book, but I’ve seen the other adaptations. I never really realized that’s the thing that’s different about Anne. She’s an introvert and Hollywood seems to have an issue with this. As someone who is shy and reserved, I always feel ppl have been uncomfortable with me or that there’s nothing interesting about me. It makes sad to realize that we literally have media out there telling us that we shouldn’t be that way and there’s no strengths to this type of personality. My understanding with Anne is that you also see this transformation with her in the story as she comes into her own. You don’t get that with this film.

[@WildeBookGarden]

Daria I think you did such a beautiful job of communicating what is so truly special about Persuasion, and about Anne Elliott as a character. There were a lot of annoyances I had with the trailer (the atrocious dialogue, the weird rom-com tone, some of the hair and costuming choices) but the thing that really broke my heart is how they turned Anne into a generic spunky heroine. Anne is quiet, and reserved, and kind, and she STILL gets an absolutely gorgeous romance - that's one of beautiful things about the original!! I love Lizzie Bennet, but not every Austen heroine has to be Lizzie Bennet! I had no intention of seeing the movie and you've validated that decision! though I'd LOVE to see Henry Golding in some decent period dramas!

[@WildeBookGarden]

ALSO HOW EMBARRASSING, I spelled Anne Elliot's last name wrong 😭 forgive me, Anne, I was distraught thinking about this terrible movie

[@arolla_pine2718]

I watched "Persuasion" this evening and... well... They killed one of my beloved books. Literally. I couldn't stand this adaptation even when I was repeating myself that I should "divorce" the movie from the books. Most of time I was just embarrassed with that story. And didn't feel those emotions that I have every time I read the book. The letter scene, when I have chills every time while reading (yep, still after reading the book 100 times or even more) - in the movie was like: "He can write reeeeaaally fast..." 😆 Oh, and the octopus scene. I died... That was waaaay too much... 🤣

[@LauraMoncur]

The use of cringe to make Anne relatable was overused. I think they were trying to do a Bridget Jones Diary thing, but it missed the mark. Maybe they thought Jane Austen made Anne too perfect, but they were wrong. Anne is NOT perfect. She allows herself to be persuaded by the wrong people. Her journey is learning how to trust the right people (i.e. her sick friend from school, who was tragically cut out of the Netflix adaption) and herself.

[@AnastaciaInCleveland]

I hated that Anne's friend was cut out of this version! She played such a pivotal role in the book, especially where Mr. Elliot was concerned. ~ Anastacia in Cleveland

[@cataaj]

They didn't ruin the book for me because it had nothing to do with the original story 😂 It was just a bad movie

[@dawncathlene]

My mother always said to judge the book and the movie as two seperate things because they are two very different mediums. Except this one didn't even TRY to tell the same story. I had the same thought of the letter. And in what world would Wentworth butt in between what he thought was an engagement when canon Wentworth was going to offer her home back to her after her marriage? It's discarded chapters but it still holds his character...this letter was just out of character for Wentworth

[@sosewregency5905]

@@AnastaciaInCleveland I heard she was cut out of the movie - and I was like - What? wait.....how can....brain overload = not possible!! LOL Removing Margaret and Lady Middleton from Sense and Sensibility doesn't impact any critical points of moving the plot forward. Mrs. Smith - even in the argument between Anne and her father about going to see Lady Dalrymple - illustrates Anne's journey. And as you mentioned -the twists with Mr. Elliott.

[@michaelodonnell824]

The 2007 scene where Anne, who moments before is exhausted by a walk in the country, sprints through Bath in her early 19th dress had me caught between wanting to either break out in hysterical laughter or throw up at how Jane Austen might react to this travesty. Based on that scene alone (and there were many, many more) the 1995 version is head and shoulders better than the 2007 attempt.

[@sosewregency5905]

Agreed

[@mariem24601]

I don’t remember much about the 2007 adaptation good or bad - but the running through Bath stuck out as ridiculous.

[@glynnisi]

2007 "Anne's Mad Dash" gives me giggles every time. Needs Benny Hill music... ;)

[@Nemshee]

Also, Sally Hawkins' perpetually open mouth is so distracting and annoying.

[@athenaproios9544]

Her mad dash around Bath is based on an early draft of the book that Jane Austen ultimately decided against. I found it fascinating that they decided to adapt it and use a discarded first draft version for the end. That being said I still enjoy it.

[@lema4198]

I agree with everything you said. I absolutely ADORE the plot & characters of persuasion so watching this Netflix adaption was heartbreaking because they completely disregarded the book. They did book Anne so dirty 😔💔

[@kindofrubbish]

Thank you for this video, I 100% agree. After watching 2022 Persuasion I ended up: disliking Anne and Wentworth (and they are one of my favourites), enjoying Mary, and hoping Mr. Elliot would have a spinoff full of his shenanigans. Needless to say... I was pure confusion.

[@davidahrens2841]

A great and accurate review of this disastrous film Even as a man, Austen's books have charmed me for > 50 years Persuasion being my favorite with P+P a close second All her books are great and everyone should read them As an originality freak, (my vintage autos have been period correctly restored) this film was very disturbing Thank God I watched it on my computer And could use the fast-forward key I will never watch it again, and It will be the only version of Persuasion that will not be included in my collection. Persuasion is a masterpiece describing the agony of 'lost love' Few stories begin to approach its effect Poe's 'Assignation' is close In case anyone cares Forget the movie versions - Just read and re-read the book!! But...if you must watch a movie The 1995 version with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds is the best

[@elicris10]

Yeeees, just read the book please!!

[@sosewregency5905]

1995 is my favorite as well.

[@carokat1111]

Well said.Totally agree.

[@MsAdlerHolmes]

Your live reactions are GOLD. I didn't even make it past 20 or 30 minutes before turning it off and re-watching the Sally Hawkins version.

[@joyyoung3108]

The 2007 version will always be my favorite. The chemistry that Sally Hawkins has with Rupert Penry-Jones is fantastic. My mom introduced this adaptation to me when I was a teen and I fell in love with it.. Sally can do no wrong with any role she does. Just like you mentioned in your previous Persuasion Adaptation Battle video, Sally's facial expressions drew me into the movie. The entire cast as a whole was just phenomenal.

[@maryhamric]

AGREEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!😀😀😀

[@annahill99]

The scene right after Anne meets Wentworth again for the first time in the movie and she’s just looking up at us crying and writing “the worst is over” THAT is the yearning and the sadness of the Persuasion that I know and love

[@LadyQuotes]

Watching this movie actually hurt me. I went in with low expectations because of the trailer, and yet it somehow managed to be worse :( so disappointing!

[@justincheng5241]

I am currently rereading Persuasion and am half-way through the book (right after Louisa Musgrave's fall). It is interesting you juxtaposed Anne and Emma as polar opposites, I actually consider Anne as a half-way character between Emma and Fanny, as in I view Anne not entirely as passive as Fanny, but certainly not as abrasive as Emma.

[@marar8045]

I was afraid from the trailer. Still, I gave it a chance. Persuasion is my favorite novel, and I was willing to give it a chance. I rolled with it with the 4th wall breaking, I accepted her narrating things she would’ve never said in the book, but I draw the line at her blurting out at the dinner table that Charles wanted to marry her first. She would have NEVER done that. I actually stopped watching it at that point. Maybe someday I’ll finish it.

[@sueveale4017]

Yes that moment really did it for me…totally turned off at that point…you haven’t missed anything of consequence by turning off..only wish I’d turned off too

[@mjloca]

That line was the only thing I found really shocking in the whole film, I would recomend watching it. I ended up enjoying it, it is one surprise after another. (Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen, too, and I am really thankful that I saw the trailer first, so I was prepared.)

[@judithmacfadzen9516]

I lasted a whole 11 minutes! 🙄

[@marar8045]

@@mjloca I watched it and hated every minute of it.

[@mjloca]

@@marar8045 I'm sorry to hear it! Hey, we cannot like everything, I hope they knew what they were doing, maybe their target audience is going to discover Jane Austen with this film, who knows?

[@penelopemiller1908]

Whole heartedly agree appealing to the lowest common denominator is being applied to Jane Austin. They remove the complexity and therefore the suspense.

[@TangentialTif]

I also love, love, love Persuasion. It’s in my top 3 of Austen books (which are in my top 10 of all time favorite books); the other two are Pride and Prejudice and Northanger. I always felt like I identified the most with Anne, because her family is awful and she’s supposed to not say anything. I mean you don’t hear the snark in her brain that I would have, but we share the same outcome. But I have hated every single adaptation of the book because they are always so moody and depressing. I don’t think Anne was necessarily depressed, she seems ok with accepting what life is throwing at her, I wish just because she was quiet she wasn’t always depicted as depressed. Anyway, it seems like they found a new way to fail Anne. 🎉😒 All that being said though Lady Russell wasn’t wrong…. I mean sure in hindsight it appears that she was wrong, but it’s just as likely that Anne and Captain Wentworth could have ended up like Fanny Price’s parents; the breakup would have been what drove Wentworth to his success.

[@candacequinlin]

Agreed. I too never felt Anne Elliott had depression over Captain Wentworth or her situation. I think people interpret her losing her bloom, as her being depressed, but I believe it means she changed her interests, cultivated her mind and learned from the past to become a better person. From what I remember, after quitting Kellynch Hall, Anne was happiest in Uppercross, enjoyed Lyme and even found that Bath had its charms (her friends). The only time I could imagine her being depressed was when she lost her mother as a child.

[@sophie12388]

I feel like going into this adaptation I’m going to try and separate it from the novel and 2007 version but then after watching the first 5 mins it feels so different which is such a shame because it is my favourite novel.

[@Thecuriousincident1]

Your live reactions were so hilarious and I love how you edited that.

[@morganleanderblake678]

Watching you go through the five stages of grief like sixteen times in one sped up clip is the reason I hit subscribe.

[@stephcampbell3901]

Literally 10 minutes in, I was checking to see if the writers of Fleabag had written the screenplay for this because the constant quips to the camera with the judgmental stares were starting to really grind my gears!

[@dazzledbystarlight17]

I just finished watching the movie and it left me feeling completely empty. The leads had little to no chemistry and the script was awful. I have no doubt that the actors were good in other things but this movie just didn't do them justice. It is painfully obvious that they tried to give it the Emma 2020 treatment and make it funny. I love the new Emma and the 2005 Pride and Prejudice so I'm not opposed to slightly updating Jane Austen's work as long as it keeps with the spirit of the novel. I have no idea what this was but it wasn't Persuasion. The tone was just off. The novel and the 1995 and 2007 portray the heartbreak and angst while this one...just existed? What were they really trying to do with this? I could go on all day but I'll stop here. I might have to go watch the 2007 version just to forget this lol.

[@kshamamate9607]

Exactly those were my thoughts after watching this.. Need to cleanse my mind again by watching 2007 version

[@lindakelly9552]

Lets face it Ann Elliot was a very kind person, she was very quiet too, certainly not the type who would be constantly being critical in her mind for us to hear it, that was Emma not Ann Elliot. I think the two actors would have been okay with better material. I like the 2007 the most with Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry jones somehow they both came off as struggling and Ann was kind and sweet but also quiet and serious not with a snarky humor only a bit biting to her father. I didn’t mind at all the mixing of races etc, except Mr Elliott being Asian didnt quite make sense, he was part of the family line how could he be Asian?

[@knightleyemma]

Dakota Johnson & Cosmo Jarvis (never seen him act before) had zero chemistry! They don’t look like a believable romantic couple, esp. NOT a long-time love/pining/angsty type of couple!

[@dazzledbystarlight17]

@@lindakelly9552Yes, I agree. The snarky attitude that Anne had in this seemed so much more like Emma and it just didn't work for this story. One moment she'd speak to camera & say something sassy then the next she'd be heartbroken. The leads might have been better with a better script but I didn't really feel the chemistry between them. I don't think they were going for realism when they did the casting. I liked the actor who played Mr. Elliot. He tried his best with what he was given.

[@dazzledbystarlight17]

@@knightleyemma Exactly! I felt NOTHING from them. Other versions portray the characters so much better. I'm not sure why they cast these actors if they have no chemistry.

[@197ankitakumari4]

I rolled my eyes right in thr trailer when she said “now we’re worse than exes, we’re friends” 😒

[@gixmonster]

This review was perfect - and finally someone who knows the book and discusses more than how "it broke the fourth wall" but how this version of "Persuasion" actually changed the essence of the book and chatacters! They changed Anne completely. They changed her relationships. Thank you for finally addressing this! (I have only just found your channel, but subscribed now:)

[@cat_pb]

I have watched it last night, and I have to say the acting of the main actress, the lack of chemistry between the leads, the complete 180 they have done with Anne’s character and disposition, made me cry. This is by far the worst and I dare say disrespectful adaptation from a Jane Austen novel I have ever seen. It shouldn’t even be called an adaption for that matter. It really broke my heart how they made Anne this self-absorbed and borderline alcoholic person when she is far from it. I can’t even begin to pin point the amount of things wrong with this movie. The only 3 good things were the soundtrack, the colours they chose for the movie and scenes and the Musgroves. That is literally it. I will cleanse my eyes today with the 1997 version.

[@pandorina]

I was waiting for your review. The trailer had me up in arms. Anne is my favorite Jane Austen heroine. I love that Jane wrote diverse women. Not everyone is an Emma or a Lizzy. This just hurts my feelings. Just gonna stick with my 2007 and 1995 versions... So disappointed. Thank you for your review.

[@questionsfromthebeyond]

Your reaction montage gives me LIFE (first time viewer, definitely sticking around.)

[@Kate-gs3jc]

I studied abroad with a group from my college in England and the movie came out while we were reading and discussing Persuasion. We were all excited to be able to read, watch, and discuss it all at the same time. We watched about 10 mins of it and had to turn it off. We were a quarter to half way through the novel and felt like we understood the characters and overall plot better than the writers and producers of this movie. After finishing it, I definitely think they wanted to capitalize on the period piece hype but didn’t think about how people how read the source material so they would be heavily criticized for making a mockery out of Jane Austen. 😂

[@LunaWho47]

Literally the one thing that I think this movie did the best of all 4 Persuasion films I've seen is Louisa's fall from the sea wall. When she jumped and hit her head, this is legit the first time I could understand why they would worry that she was dead. Also, I love your fangirling over Pride and Prejudice in particular. It always makes me think of you as Jane Hayes in Austenland come to life (the movie version of Jane Hayes, at least. The book version was a bit different.)

[@kasialeparska2480]

“Austenland was a FUN movie! 👍😍🥰

[@ellie5560]

i love the way your articulate the transition between a book and a screen adaption, it literally reflects everything i feel! i don’t think you need to capture every scene and every frame how it’s depicted in the original book... that’s just unattainable and presumptuous. *but* you’re so right that for a successful and authentic adaptation, you need to still capture the heart and essence of the original content... and this adaptation, just from the trailer alone, failed Persuasion, but more importantly Anne Elliot in maintaining the authenticity. because idk who that is in the movie but the only thing she has in common with Austen’s Anne, is her name :/ the original book is so achingly heartbreaking and melancholy. you’re embalmed in Anne’s pain, longing and loneliness, it’s suffocating almost. she’s my favourite Austen heroine because she goes against the grain of what a “typical” heroine is. she can be shy, introverted and a little bit broken and still be our lead. she doesn’t need to be outrageous and coy and flirty like Emma (which i think they’ve tried to do here, even though i love my girly Emma too). Anne also doesn’t need to be mysterious and independent and witty like Elizabeth... and i feel like this adaptation infused Elizabeth and Emma and called her “Anne” and completely disregarded her original character. the moment in the trailer that made me frown a bit and should have been an indication to how id ultimately feel about the film (long before the infamous “we’re not exes, we’re friends) was how openly flirty and coy she was with Mr. Eliot. *my Anne would NEVER* then it just got progressively frustrating😭 i was so looking forward to a new adaptation, but the Fleabag-style narration with the “girl-boss” mindset just didn’t fit the tone of Persuasion. you can turn any of JA’s novels into satirical romcoms... expect Persuasion. literally pick any other one!!

[@massagebyconstance5665]

I appreciate your review and I got the exact same vibes just from seeing the trailer. But I don’t agree that the reason why people are upset of the characters aren’t white is because of low-key racism. I think that mentality comes with your younger age. I’m a 40-year-old black woman and believe me when I tell you the story should not have brown people in it. The problem I have is when you’re taking historical fiction or any kind of art and changing it to super modern ideals. There’s nothing wrong with telling stories (fairytales/ historical fiction) That actually originate in other countries. Do you know what I would love to see an actual African story there’s so many countries with their own folklore is their own narrators her own voices that we don’t see. Instead of destroying someone’s artwork, and like you said they distort the story the actors probably had nothing to do with it, why not tell stories about South America or Central America or Asia why can’t we have stories that reflect the actual culture of the people who were there. Persuasion is my favorite story for the exact same reasons you said - A strong female character looks like a lot of different things. And it’s written so well and the people who made this show did not understand the character at all.

[@soph.b6054]

Completely agree with you. This kind of performative casting seems to push the narrative that the only stories worth telling are Western (typically European) ones, which ironically, is not very diverse at all. I think there's also the general reluctance of people to watch films from non-English speaking countries, which in my opinion is very close minded (although I do understand if people struggle to read subtitles). I personally love watching historical Korean dramas, which are more concerned with telling a story rather than forcing an agenda in the name of 'diversity'

[@susanmacdonald4288]

Very good points!

[@JohnDoe-cb3so]

Thank you so, SO much for your comment. I despise race-switching characters because it’s, quite frankly, a cheap way of earning woke brownie points, as well as not historically accurate. I completely agree that it would be better to make films that focus on the story of people of other cultures/races/ethnicities without random race-switching just for the sake of pushing a supposedly “progressive” ideal in cinema.

[@minimaker5600]

@@JohnDoe-cb3so Well said! I'm glad that I'm not the only one that is bothered by this new trend.

[@GoGreen1977]

I read another YT review of the Netflix version of "Persuasion." The reviewer referred to the film as a "rom-com." I was horrified. I knew immediately the reviewer had no clue about or appreciation for the source material and/or that Netflix had trashed the book. I haven't watched this film and I don't intend to.

[@elainabex]

Netflix kinda put romcom type elements in it... If you love the BBC Austen content, this would probably not tick any boxes. (I was disappointed)

[@LauraMoncur]

For some reason, because they put the words, “Based on Persuasion,” at the beginning, I was okay with ALL the changes. Boozy Anne Elliott who talks to the screen with snark. Sure… “I never trust a 10.” Okay… whatever. Influencer wanna be Mary as a narcissist? Yup, spot on. An HONEST Mr. Elliott who confesses to Anne that the whole reason he is back in town is to dissuade her father from marrying beneath him in the form of Henry Golding?! Hell, yeah… I might actually believe he had a chance with her. What I couldn’t abide is the complete lack of chemistry between Anne and Fredrick! Captain Wentworth looked like a petulant child who was denied a toy. I would have rather had her marry honestly evil cousin Elliott because every scene he was in was scorching. In the end, nothing can beat the 1995 Persuasion and I still swoon for Ciaran Hinds’ Captain Wentworth. That scene when Wentworth shows up at the house and Amanda Root’s Anne wasn’t expecting him hits me in the feels every time.

[@nicolebustamante313]

Ciaran Hinds will be my forever Captain Wentworth.♡ Nobody can top that man in this role.

[@daliladasilva9674]

Exactly, I was able to enjoy the tone and the changes, the only thing I can't get over is the lack of romance in a movie that was supposed to be a Romance

[@russmartin4189]

I waited for this movie for a long time because one of the writers, Alice Victoria Winslow, aka, "Alice" was a student of mine in the fine art photography classes I taught while she was in high school in the late 90's. She fell in love with theater then, and it seems her whole life since has been the theater, having majored in theater at Brown Univ. and later at the Guildhall School in London. This was the first major film that she has written for, so I had hoped for the best. Now, it seems, she will have to recover, which may be difficult. Not being an Austen fan, or having read any of her books, I came to it with an open mind. It entertained me, not being bound by the book, but in the end, I was left kind of "meh". Not here nor there. For me, the characters were not memorable or that interesting. I felt the story could have been developed more, which obviously the book was, or it would not have been a success or stood the test of time. While watching your review, I found myself saying, "ok I can see that", many times. Lastly, for me, I want period dramas to stay faithful to the period. I want to be informed and to see and understand times that I did not live through. This barely touched on that. If I want a modern love story, I will watch a modern love story. I wanted to not only see my student's film, or any film, but the work by a world famous writer. This did not do that. Lastly, I empathize with your desire to see more minorities in film and on the stage, but I want realism. Reality back in the early 1800's was not minorities in the upper classes. That too would have been scandelous. I found myself asking, "is this right?". I even Googled Persuasion and asked if there were black major characters in the original story. Final thought, not everything can or should be updated.

[@skuster2007]

I love this review because of how intense you are about this! I also love to watch all different kinds of adaptations of favorite classic literature and compare them. I’ve never run into anybody who gets as worked up about it as I do. So I love watching these videos!

[@reneepope-munro8115]

Your reaction montage was literally me on my couch while watching. What a travesty. But thank you for making me feel seen 😂

[@tracyfitch4873]

I just finished watching the movie and then pulled out my iPad to watch your reaction to it. I was having the same feelings the whole way through! Watching you cringe and hide your face was hilarious, because I was doing the same! So many scenes, like the dinner scene at Uppercross, I was in shock and had to pause it for a second before moving on. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel and I was ecstatic when I heard a new version was coming out, literally counting down the days to watch it. And, from the second it started I was so confused and annoyed by their interpretation. Very disappointed.

[@lauradavison8068]

After the Uppercross dinner scene, I had to pause the movie and go rant to my housemate for 5 minutes before I was calm enough to continue it.

[@ellieh0397]

Based on the trailer - completely agree with everything. Don't think I'll bother to check out myself

[@toericabaker]

the silent reaction compilation was sooo funny hahaha that could be a mini series and id watch em all. i love ur expressions

[@jessicawarren2632]

Thank you! When I saw the preview inserting a "let's just be friends" trope, I was appalled. Later I thought maybe I was being too harsh. I was about to give it a chance, and you've saved me! Looking forward to enjoying more on your channel and for now I'm off to the Battle of the Emma's!

[@nicolebustamante313]

I was impressively desapointed by this adaptation. I usually have fun with the movie adaptations even when it is not my favorite one. But this one was impressively bad. Not because of budget or visuals and the actors beside the main ones are very good. Mr Elliot was my favorite character in this adaptation even if the one of the shittiest Austen villans. Everytime he was in the scene was the only moments I had fun and smirk a little bit, and I absolutely LOVE the actor who plays him, he has charisma to spare! I wouldn't even mind they made changes in the characters to appeal more to modern audiences like 2006 Pride and Prejudice did if they would mantain the essence of the characters. That wasn't Anne Elliot, that was some Brigitte Jones meets Elizabeth Bennet knock off. And I would even be willing to forgive if they change Anne Elliot to make her more "strong" that definely wasn't the way to go. I should think a Penelope Featherington type of persona would fit better into Anne Elliot type of character. You know, nothing wrong with being immersive and quiet and prone to reading and maybe a little bit of sadness since your family treat you like shit... And her mistreatment doen't make much sense, like you're telling me that you find Dakota Johnson ugly and a desapointment because...? Just doesn't sell... And the most OFFENSIVE thing in that script is how constantly it patronize you and tells you that it thinks you're stupid. Constantly explaing and exposing information that doesn't need exposing and explaining. The dialogs were embarrasingly BAD. That ultimately made me angry. I felt dumb. That and the fucking up of the declaration of the Captain to Anne. WHY MESS UP PERFECTION? WHYYYY? They just didn't had to do this. Don't get me wrong I love the original speech of Pride and Prejudice (...you must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you...) but I live for the movie speech too ( ...I love you, most ardently!...) like, I'm not expecting the book transfered into live action, Emma (2020) is my second beloved Austen adaptations P&P (2006) being the first and both took liberties with the novel in the script, changing lines and making some characters more "modern" in some ways; but I find this adaptation borderline offensive in terms of storytelling, dialog poorly writen, main character concept. And just let me say it, I hated the main couple so much. I fucking hated the casting of Dakota Johnson for that role even if it wasn't Anne Elliot. She just was NOT good in this role. Just wasn't. I'm sorry for the dissertation I am just pissed and sad and disapointed and in need of venting my frustration. ♡

[@elicris10]

We all need to vent!! It's outrageous what they did to Anne! She's to good of a character to be treated like this

[@margaretchayka6878]

Why can't someone out there do justice to Persuasion? It's not a difficult story! It's my favorite Austin book. The casting has never been quite right in the previous versions. I knew the Netflix version would be garbage, never want to see it.

[@flannerypedley840]

I love the bit from the tape roll where you go "Why would you do that?!!!"

[@DD-zu1bn]

So happy to find your content! I have 8 copies of Pride & Prejudice and I’m always looking for more haha

[@lindafreeman1252]

I agree wholeheartedly. This is my favourite Jane Austen novel and I was so excited when I heard it was being remade! I even saved the date into my calendar back in March!! What a crying shame this movie was. I too started watching with an open mind but quickly realised the film makers - from all departments - had completely missed the mark. Jane Austen was clever and wrote in such a way that the reader themselves came to understand that the people around Jane were vain, self absorbed, ambitious, resentful and ridiculous. We didn't need to be force-fed the information by the ridiculous 4th wall shenanigans. We needed to be shown with good writing, directing and acting. In this version the screenwriters have taken a kind, gentle and quiet lady who made a wrong decision years before - yet HAD NOT let that make her bitter - and made her into someone who was nasty, sarcastic, judgemental and ridiculous. They treated her character with the utmost disrespect. I had no regard for this Anne at all by the end. Not all of us are extroverts in life and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!! Anne Elliot from the novel had a quiet strength about her that the screenwriters completely missed. I truly hope Searchlight Pictures reopen their shelved production wuth Sarah Snook and stay faithful to the spirit of the novel. In doing so they will also treat the audience with respect and assume that we have more than half a brain!!

[@leannj.3706]

lmaooo watching ur out of context reaction and seeing you just become more and more over it was priceless😂 although i'm sad that the movie doesn't seem to be that good because persuasion is my fave jane austen (ok i've only read 2 jane austen novels but thats how much i love persuasion)

[@Luv2Dnce4]

The montage of your reactions…*might* be in my top 5 favorite things seen on KZbin. 🤣

[@paluza9]

Spot freaking on!!! This is the absolute best book review/book comparison and I'm so happy that someone else feel exactly how I was feeling. Hit all the points and was spot on every step of the way

[@Cyberlucy]

This was my favorite Austen book and I hated this adaption. The screenwriters did not understand Anne Elliott at all. I thought Richard E Grant as Sir Walter was inspired casting though.

[@midnightsummerdream7]

i haven't seen the movie yet but now, having listened to you talk about the perks of the story plot, i think i have an urge to read the book instead

[@serenescenicsarah]

Your reactions are super relatable. And hilarious to watch!

[@kelliewoolf932]

First time viewer ~ Jane Austen and period drama fan… you nailed this. I almost stopped watching but changed my mind. I think you are an articulate, funny and insightful commentator. I liked and subscribed. Well done!

[@Pestopasta_]

I commented on your battle of the persuasions video before I saw this but I have to agree. This is my post 5 minute watching review: The netflix adaption was terrible and I went in open minded as I love the cast, but my God…. that was NOT Persuasion. The breaking the 4th wall was a bold choice I enjoyed but feel it could have served them as “Anne’s thoughts” vs her meek outer display but it didn’t even feel like Anne Elliot was Anne Elliot. She was the complete opposite - witty, slightly sarcastic and outspoken. In the end I felt like there was no reason for breaking it in the first place other than to serve as a knock off fleabag as she just said what was on her mind. As well as that, I did not believe the chemistry between her and Wenworth, he was like a brick wall. As a shy girl, I felt robbed of a heroine that isn’t always confident or says what she thinks. I did love Henry Golding’s character though even though he had little time to develop. Dakota did great with the accent and the cinematography was gorgeous. Overall I was so disappointed😭

[@asdabir]

You’re so right! If they had used the fourth wall breaking as a tool to give us introvert Anne’s thoughts, it would have worked. That is one the ways to switch up your adaptation for greater effect. As it stands there is no reason to do it. It’s going to be such a cringe fest with this adorkable version of Lizzy Bennett, I see myself skipping this one.

[@AJansenNL]

@@asdabir As an introvert, I can't see myself sharing my inner thoughts with an unseen audience. That's why I don't think the 4th wall would work. What probably would have worked, is her sharing her feelings with the rabbit. A pet is safe. So much safer than a human, who might talk back and give you their opinion (which you're probably not really waiting for). Why didn't they do that?

[@CowCowMeows]

I'm still just trying to wrap my head around WHY this was made. Did the director or producers not stop to think that this is an adaptation of a highly admired author's novel, and that they were stepping foot into a very passionate circle of historians and enthusiasts? If they had made this film just as is, not an adaptation, this torrent of criticism would not be happening.

[@jenniferariesta6464]

this is made to cash in on the Bridgerton (and Regency romances) hype

[@WhytheBookWins]

your live reactions section was hilarious haha so great

[@niacasterlow8300]

Girl, I had to stop and pause you for a second, but I didn't even want to because you were spittin'. You were spitting truth. I feel that I agree with every single statement you made in this video.

[@zuzanadubravcova1307]

Thank you. Thank you for this. I am trying to finish Persuasion for two hours, I am not even in the middle of the movie 🙈 I just love 1995 BBC's Persuasion and thi sis my favorite book from Jane Austen. So I am suffering 😂🙈

[@Lsb412]

I still enjoyed the movie! It was a very Netflix-y version of Persuasion, and since that’s exactly what I expected, maybe that’s why I could still enjoy it. I actually liked the slightly different reading of Anne-we’re made to be a little less pitying of her and instead clearly see her flaws. The to-camera address makes total sense to me for someone who would never speak her feelings to the people in the room. There were definitely parts of her character that differed from a traditional reading of Anne (like when she yelled out the window to Frederick? Lol what was that), but I can see how someone could read the book and see this version of her. I do wish the ending were a little less black and white, a little less “never listen to anyone, live your own life,” etc., and instead showed some of the grayness in Anne’s conclusions about her choices, which I think Austen does well in the book. Overall, not a perfect adaption (and probably not trying to be) but still enjoyable to me!

[@user-ds7wh1su1q]

OMG I`m in love with your videos! This channel is the best way to practice my English - useful and sooo entertaining, I`m one of the biggest fans of Austen too)))

[@KC-uv6os]

Your reaction montage was sooo well done! As for content, I've not read the book, and I'm so glad to hear this movie was not faithful. The silver lining is now when I do read the book the characters in my head will be diverse too. 💜 📚

[@arundhatibhardwaj8888]

Love your reactions !. Recommendation for a show - "Anne with an e " on Netflix, loosely based on the Anne of green gables novel series. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. It's my favorite show of all time:)

[@54six]

I'm still waiting and hoping for s4 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@arundhatibhardwaj8888]

@@54six Same 😭, but I don't think it will happen. I will never forgive netflix and cbc for that cancellation. That show deserved so many more seasons.

[@joanbernsten3960]

@@54six I mean me too, but I fear we have to slowly give up hope

[@arundhatibhardwaj8888]

@@FullofLit oh that's amazing ! Kind of sad cuz I wanted to hear your review on it lol. But im glad you enjoyed the show 😁.

[@verenputri5315]

preach! it's my favorite show too!

[@littlebitbritish]

The awful thing for me with this was that this episode has lost all of the subtle tones and emotional undercurrents. Its like Bridget Jones but with regency costume. First and foremost I felt that whichever actor played Wentworth was just wrong for the part. He was bumbling, bizarre and not attractive in terms of manner or poise. There have been many adaptations, and some of them do capture Wentworth well, but this was absolutely the worst. Another thing that got me was that the costumes are utterly horrible. Its like they were going for peasent chic, but just got stuck on the peasent. But what the heck is up with Henry Goulding playing, a sort of Fagin version of Mr Elliot? Its just bizarre. I honestly don't understand which sort of person adapted this absolute mess. I'm getting angrier the more I think about it which is pointless and stupid but I am just shocked they bothed making such a pointless insult to Austen

[@sarahbabcock8188]

This is the most articulate and thoughtful review of the new Persuasion adaptation that I’ve seen on KZbin. I’ve only seen the preview of the movie but it’s enough to know this is going to be agony to watch for anyone who truly appreciates Austen’s Persuasion. It’s not an adaptation of Austen, it’s an exploitation. I love the reactions montage to the classical music and how you pull out your fan later in the video! Thanks for sharing!

[@annaleebaker5654]

I was wondering if you were going to do a video on it. Great one. 🥳