Jane Austen Fans In A Tizzy After Watching 'Persuasion' Trailer

We all adore Dakota Johnson, but she doesn't have a period drama face in Persuasion; instead, she appears to be up to date on emails and cell phones. Even then one has to move on, a free piece of advice which, according to the film’s trailer, had its origin back in the Regency era - accuracy 101.

Persuasion, like many of Jane Austen's other novels, looks at the social institutions of 18th century England, particularly marriage and wealth. Due to her 'advanced' age of 27, Anne is deemed 'unmarriageable.' Anne should have married and had children a long time ago at this point.

Netflix Persuasion Trailer

Any new Jane Austen film is a reason for joy or perhaps, face-palms. Fire Island, a modern LGBTQ adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, was just released a few weeks ago. Then there's Dakota Johnson, who's putting her hat in the ring with Netflix's Persuasion, and the first trailer has fans in a tizzy. 

In this new adaptation of the tormented literary classic, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) opens the trailer by speaking directly to the viewer about her love. Following a romantic tragedy, Anne turns her attention to her family, particularly her father, played by the dashing Richard E. Grant, who never met a mirrored surface he didn't like. 

Captain Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis), an old lover Anne can't get rid of, is at the centre of the romantic tragedy or maybe a comedy of sorts. Whatever it is, it cannot be called a period drama for sure. When he comes to town, he finds Anne mocking him with a jam moustache on her face, and the two rekindle their romance. So, that's the end of it, right? Of course not. 

"We're worse than exes, we're buddies" by Dakota Johnson had Jane Austen 'rolling' in her grave while the former respects the friendzone. 

Is this a narrative by Jane Austen? There's more destruction on the way. Another fascinating young gentleman in Anne's life is Henry Golding, who is definitely attractive. Anne now has to choose between old pals and new flirting flings, all while dealing with her sassy sisters and obnoxious father. “How is it that life without wanting becomes flooded with so much newness?"Anne exclaims, embarrassed, as she twists her long brown hair back and forth, looking at two distinct suitors in the initial look.

Quite a serious problem. So much so that one Twitter user wrote, “Truly hate the move to do cheeky direct-to-camera address for 19th-century adaptations, especially for ones like persuasion that are supposed to be devastatingly sad. The problem is that direct address has a totally different context now.”

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Evidently, folks online are upset by the ‘quirky’ and distorting rom-com take on one of Austen’s darker novels. “Persuasion is Austen’s quietest novel,” one Twitter user argued, resonating with a common chorus on the platform. “It’s one of endless pining, slow-burn romances, with Austen’s trademark scathing critiques and biting wit, of course. What it’s not is a rom-com with cheerful music and playful characters.” Watch the trailer"> here. 

Feature Image Credit: The Daily Beast.