Few authors have achieved the level of fame enjoyed by Jane Austen. Even the name Austen evokes a particular style and tone in the minds of contemporary readers, who continue to be passionate and interested in her works. It is hardly surprising that the Persuasion team at Netflix would want to captivate viewers with a new version of Austen's final book after finding success with Bridgerton, a period romance. By giving it 2022 sensibilities, director Carrie Cracknell, screenwriters Ron Bass, and Alice victoria Winslow have opted to tackle this tale in a way that has already baffled Austen enthusiasts.
Persuasion picks up years after a relationship ends rather than at its beginning. At a young age, sensible and devout Anne (Johnson) became engaged to a struggling navy sailor named Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis). Nevertheless, despite their close relationship, she decided to break things off because of his alleged lack of future prospects. When her family is forced to leave their pricey home, Anne, who is now in her late 20s, finds herself thrust back into Wentworth's life. When Anne suddenly realises everything she has lost, she must choose whether to finally follow her heart or to formally part ways. She has no idea that Wentworth is struggling with the same problems.
Despite its casting, Persuasion benefits from its storytelling decisions. Johnson and Jarvis, who play the principal couple, have a charmingly sincere chemistry that elevates the few instances in which they are legitimately permitted to yearn for one another. Even though Mia McKenna-Bruce, who plays Anne's conceited sister Mary, gets special praise for her portrayal, the other characters don't always receive many opportunities to shine. She completely lacks selflessness and treats her kids with a casual indifference, which provides for some great chuckles. Golding also gets praise for portraying a less than honourable suitor; following his big performance in Crazy Rich Asians, it is refreshing to see him branch out a little.
Persuasion picks up years after a relationship ends rather than at its beginning. At a young age, sensible and devout Anne (Johnson) became engaged to a struggling navy sailor named Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis). Nevertheless, despite their close relationship, she decided to break things off because of his alleged lack of future prospects. When her family is forced to leave their pricey home, Anne, who is now in her late 20s, finds herself thrust back into Wentworth's life. When Anne suddenly realises everything she has lost, she must choose whether to finally follow her heart or to formally part ways. She has no idea that Wentworth is struggling with the same problems.
Despite its casting, Persuasion benefits from its storytelling decisions. Johnson and Jarvis, who play the principal couple, have a charmingly sincere chemistry that elevates the few instances in which they are legitimately permitted to yearn for one another. Even though Mia McKenna-Bruce, who plays Anne's conceited sister Mary, gets special praise for her portrayal, the other characters don't always receive many opportunities to shine. She completely lacks selflessness and treats her kids with a casual indifference, which provides for some great chuckles. Golding also gets praise for portraying a less than honourable suitor; following his big performance in Crazy Rich Asians, it is refreshing to see him branch out a little.
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