Persuasion – A Modern Take

I was reluctant to watch the new version of Persuasion, now airing on Netflix. The reviews have been mixed, and in some cases sparked actual outrage on this modern take on the beloved Jane Austen classic. Slate magazine actually called it a disaster.

But then the other night, I decided to dip in, intending only to get a feel for it. I soon found myself chuckling away and very much enjoying this contemporary slant directed by Carrie Cracknell – who is well known in the British theater circuit.

Richard Grant is perfectly cast as the vain father, and much to my surprise, Dakota Johnson plays a sassy, sharp, and irreverent Anne who swills wine from a bottle.

This Persuasion has a playful tone with plenty of humor – but it stays largely faithful to the original story being told. There is still the typical Austen romance, heartache, and longing but with an ethnically diverse cast and modern point of view. It is beautifully filmed, with luscious scenery and sets — and the costumes are just wonderful.

The story is told through Anne’s inner dialogue which takes a bit of getting used to, but I soon embraced this very different way of telling the story. Her sister, Mary, shines with quick retorts and sarcastic one-liners which I hope I will remember to use myself.

On the negative side, the use of modern language and current phrases is often a bit jarring — giving the film an acerbic tone – nothing like the soft sensibility of pure Jane Austen. Here’s two examples that stuck with me Anne says of Mr. Elliot “I never trust a 10″ and tells her sister “We’re worse than ex’s – we’re friends”. Both are funny, but a great departure.

And speaking of pure – this updated version of Persuasion is not for true-died-in-the-wool Jane Austen fans (or “Janeites’ as they’re called). But I think that’s a good thing.

Jane Austen’s writing style, vocabulary, and chaste characters likely don’t appeal to most modern, young readers. Netflix has broken the rules by giving us a new perspective and infused a breath of fresh air into dusty Jane Austen. I can only hope this film version will relate to a younger audience and motivate new readers to Jane Austen. (I imagine Jane Austen, herself, would have approved)

I recommend you prepare yourself for a lovely evening. Ignore the harsh reviews, toss out your preconceptions, shut the curtains, stay cool, and enjoy this new Persuasion for what it is.

Watch the trailer HERE

Call me a dweeb, but I think one evening, I will go back and re-watch another (and my favorite) film version of Persuasion just for contrast.