Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Review // Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

First Published:

[projekktor id=’23003′]

Jane Austen’s most famous sisters, the Bennets, take to the big screen this weekend to battle zombies. The concept seems bizarre, a haphazard addition of the “it” monster to reinvigorate interest in classic literature. However, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies wonderfully crafts a realistic social commentary amidst a world where England is at war with the Undead. Based on Seth Grahame-Smith’s best-selling novel of the same name, the film brings to life a daring, beautiful adaptation worthy of the Austen classic.

First and foremost is the text; how much should be attributed to Grahame-Smith, Austen or writer/director Burr Steers is unknown, but the dialogue and intention bear the hallmarks of the Austen classic. Liz Bennet (Lily James) is witty and outspoken. As in Pride and Prejudice, the character is caught up in the social routine of a young unmarried woman looking to secure a good match for herself and her sisters. While for most a good match would be a gentleman in good social standing with enough wealth to support a wife, Elizabeth is looking for a man who shares her interests and will allow her to continue her studies in zombie annihilation.

The absurdity of 19th century social graces being maintained amidst a zombie invasion is lost on the five Bennet sisters and their society. Just like in the original texts, the girls are far more concerned with the arrival of the rich and handsome bachelor Mr. Bingley (Douglas Booth) and his friend, and well-trained zombie fighter, Mr Darcy (Sam Riley). The characters are all grounded in the world, which helps sell the plot twist, but the film is quite self-aware. The balance of seriousness and absurdity is what makes it such an enjoyable watch, you can’t help but laugh at the light hearted fun the addition of zombies brings to the reserved text.

Matt Smith is on point with his comedic interpretation of Parson Collins, the Bennet sisters’ estranged cousin. While the character has always been a joke in the eyes of Elizabeth, Smith infuses enough exaggeration to bring out his most beguiling qualities. Despite playing one of the least attractive suitors Smith steals the show. It’s also nice to see James is expanding her repertoire, we’ve never seen her in a period piece like this one before and she seems to be having fun with the more adventurous role. Jack Huston takes on the role of George Wickham, a military officer who is Darcy’s main antagonist. In addition to capturing the favour of Elizabeth, this incarnation of Wickham is a zombie sympathizer which puts him at further odds with Darcy. Like with the source text, the love quadrangle provides the major conflict in the film, but the actions of Elizabeth Bennet and her suitors are greatly influenced by the impending destruction of England at the hands of the undead.

All the key plot points are there, Jane (Bella Heathcote) falls for Bingley, who in turn falls for her, prompting the catalyst for the story when Elizabeth meets Darcy and – despite her initial reservations regarding his character – falls for him. Mothers and aunts gossip and manipulate their children to better social standings, while young men and women quarrel over which form of martial arts is more fashionable.  Over time Darcy wins Elizabeth and they fight side by side against a zombie uprising that threatens to destroy the world they hold dear.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a fun film. The heart of the story still lies in the adaptation of Austen’s novel, with expansive shots of beautiful British country sides, delicate period costumes and romantic professions of true love. But the fun comes from the added element of the undead, the complications they bring to the reserved society and the seriousness in which our heroine and her companions combat them. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is exactly what it sets out to be, Jane Austen meets the Walking Dead, and if you like the sounds of that, you’re going to enjoy this film.

Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.

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