Film review of Modern Persuasion. Alicia Witt stars in this contemporary rom-com adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
Official Synopsis:
A modern telling of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.” Wren Cosgrove is a happy, single, and self-confessed workaholic who, after rising to the top of the corporate ladder, finds herself coming home every night to her cat.
When her firm is hired by Owen Jasper, “the man who got away,” long-lost feelings are stirred, giving Wren a second chance at true love.
Modern Persuasion Review
Despite poor ratings and reviews, I wanted to like this recent retelling of Persuasion. Unfortunately, not all stories fare well in the modern-day.
That being said, Modern Persuasion isn’t all bad. Alicia Witt works well as a likable rom-com lead. Bebe Neuwirth also excels as the Aunt who ‘persuaded’ Wren not to give up her career for a man, hence why Wren initially lost the love of her life.
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But he’s back, and just like in the original Persuasion, she has a second chance at love! Oh, and did I mention Wren’s adorable cat named Wentworth?
If anything, I was surprised how closely this modernization follows the main plot points of the book. Even the depressed poet plays a considerable part.
A Modern Adaptation – Literally
Nevertheless, the screenplay fails to capture the heart of Jane Austen even if it’s ‘mostly’ pleasant to watch. Instead, the film focuses on ‘cleverly’ transforming the story into a contemporary mess.
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Indeed, the film is so ‘modern’ that all the secondary characters are abysmal. I scratched my head in wonder that Wren would purposely associate with such immature, unlikeable, and shallow coworkers.
Honestly, I don’t see many of the Austen fanbase appreciating the modernism. It was just so over the top. Still, Alicia Witt’s outfits are gorgeous! So, props for utilizing a low budget well.
The Romance
As for the romance, it’s fine. However, Shane McRae fails to embody the essence of Jane Austen’s Wentworth. Rather, Owen is bland from start to finish, never capturing that special something you need in a romantic leading man. Nor do the two actors have much chemistry.
Overall Thoughts
While I am perhaps overly harsh, I still think Modern Persuasion is worth watching if you like checking out all Jane Austen adaptations. Watch when you’re in the mood for fluff escapism.
Content Note: 13+
Have you watched Modern Persuasion? What did you think of this contemporary take on Jane Austen’s novel? Leave a comment below!
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I agree with you completely, I thought that there was no chemistry between the central pair. They were limp and unappealing and lacked the spark that Austen’s couples have even when they aren’t getting along. Mark Moses and Adrienne C. Moore made a much better job of their relationship. They should have been the stars. That was all far more delightful and interesting.
I also agree the leading man had no appeal towards fallibg for the leading man. They should have made Tyler the leading man there was at least some small spark with chenistry there. I most favorite adaptation of Persuasion is with Captain Wentworth played by Rupert Penry Jones and Anne played by Sally Hawkins!
Typos! I agree the leading man had no appeal or Chemistry. They should have cast Christopher O’Shea (Tyler) as the leading man at least there was a small spark of Chemistry there. My all time favorite version of Persuation was with Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Wentworth and Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot!