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NETFLIX HAS BEEN THE HOME OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PERIOD DRAMAS IN RECENT YEARS, WITH THE LIKES OF BRIDGERTON AND THE CROWN TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM, AND NOW THE STREAMING SERVICE HAS
ADDED A NEW ROMANCE TO ITS COLLECTION 12:00, 29 May 2025 The final, enthralling and completed novel by the literary icon Jane Austen has been transformed into a screen adaptation that
features an A-list star delivering the dramatics of the 19th century. Austen aficionados and period drama enthusiasts are forever in pursuit of the acclaimed author's tales. Despite
their existence for hundreds of years, the captivating wit of her characters and fiery romance within her stories leave readers yearning for more. Persuasion ticks both boxes and hence the
film's launch in 2022 sparked considerable excitement amongst devotees of Austen's work. These sentiments were echoed on Rotten Tomatoes where an audience member posted:
"People are mad it's not your usual Austen adaptation. It's funny, it's modern, it's cute, it's heart-wrenching... It'll make you laugh and make you cry.
It's one of my favourite movies. Even if the two have zero chemistry!". With Dakota Johnson, whose casting was itself a topic of debate, starring as protagonist Anne Elliot
following her resettling in Bath, England, the movie navigates her life there. At 27, the Englishwoman relocates with her family to save money, opting to let out their family manor to an
admiral and his spouse, reports Surrey Live. Article continues below Coincidentally, the admiral's sister-in-law’s brother is Frederick Wentworth, Anne's former fiance from 1806
whom she parted from owing to her family's influence. Fast forward eight years and they're both unwed, fate orchestrates their reunion granting them another shot at love. One
review reads: "I love this version of Persuasion. It's visually beautiful; the use of colour and light, the outdoor scenes, costumes, and even the wallpaper! Just gorgeous. It also
captures the humour of Jane Austen's novel in a way that feels more playful than previous versions. "Anne speaking directly to the camera lends itself to the viewer being in on
the joke. I'll admit I was ready to dislike Dakota Johnson as Anne but was pleasantly surprised with her portrayal." The film took a bold stance in casting an American actress to
play a quintessentially British character and decided to go for a more playful take, which has left some viewers divided. One person penned: "Dakota Johnson's accent is all over
the place, and her acting skills are lacking. The story is so convoluted you can't keep up... especially if you are aware of what it truly is about... steer clear of this one."
While others have lauded the film's bravery for trying to put a modern spin on a classic tale. They said: "Ahead of its time, this is that film which makes fools of its reviewers
quickest off the mark. Granted, it is a jarring first watch, especially for Austen-genre enthusiasts. Its fourth-wall-breaking, modernised dialogue and playful actor interpretations are
unexpected." Cosmo Jarvis, who plays Johnson's love interest, is one of the main attractions in this film, which also boasts performances from Richard E. Grant and young British
talent Mia McKenna. Why not take a trip back in time and see if this period drama can win you over? Will you be smitten or wish they'd left the book alone? Article continues below The
2022 hit adaptation of Persuasion is now available to stream on Netflix.