Movies

‘Jane Austen Wrecked My Life’ is a winning romance in which real life sneaks up on the bookish

BBG News

Title “Jane Austen Ruined My Life” might be an appealing and attention-grabbing choice for director Laura Piani’s first film, but it’s somewhat misleading. The protagonist, Agathe (Camille Rutherford), may secretly share this sentiment, yet she never verbalizes it. As a solitary clerk at the renowned Shakespeare and Company bookshop in Paris, Agathe finds herself enamored with the love letters displayed on the shop’s mirror. She laments to her best friend and coworker Felix (Pablo Pauly) that she was born in the wrong era, preferring genuine human connections over fleeting “digital” ones. Agathe’s vivid imagination might lead her to think she is alone because she won’t accept anything less than a Darcy-like partner.

It’s fortunate that Felix, pretending to be her agent, submits some of Agathe’s fantasy writing under false pretenses to the Jane Austen Residency. And it so happens that the one who arrives at the ferry station to pick up Agathe is a charming yet prickly Englishman named Oliver (Charlie Anson), who is none other than the great-great-great-great-grandnephew of the esteemed Jane Austen. However, Agathe can’t stand him, but this situation seems almost too perfect to be true.

Love’s Austen-Inspired Twist”

This heartwarming romance, “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life,” will leave any bibliophile spellbound, as our contemporary heroine grapples with antiquated notions of love reminiscent of Austen’s novels. At first, Agathe finds solace in Anne, the forlorn character from “Persuasion.” However, her blossoming feelings towards Oliver unfold more like Elizabeth Bennet’s relationship in “Pride and Prejudice.” Nestled within an idyllic English countryside, this story provides the perfect backdrop for Agathe’s romantic dilemma.

In this modern, self-referential remake, Rutherford skillfully portrays Agathe with a mix of grace and clumsiness, while Anson delicately expresses Oliver’s hidden passion through his reserved, injured persona, adding a hint of Hugh Grant’s bewilderment. Meanwhile, Pauly brings an undeniable allure to the role of the impulsive swindler.

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However, it’s not only men who stir up Agathe; the movie resonates deeply with literature, writing, and poetry as well. Mundane matters of the flesh aren’t the only issues it tackles. Agathe, a bibliophile and aspiring author, finds herself in a predicament due to writer’s block, which she perceives as an obstacle preventing her from being a writer. In reality, it’s more like a dam that holds back her emotions, shielding her from past pains and heartaches. Through writing, Agathe learns to open up her heart, reveal herself, and embrace fresh possibilities.

Oliver says to Agathe, “Writing is akin to ivy; it thrives on ruins.” This suggests that her past has provided the foundation for her writing, not destroyed her. The dialogue between characters about literature and the act of writing will captivate those who love words, making these conversations more alluring than romantic declarations or expressions of adoration.

If you’re familiar with Austen’s work (or have seen films based on her novels), Piani’s movie will feel comfortably familiar in terms of its ending, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying the ride. The blend of fulfilled and subverted expectations is what gives the film its charming rhythm. It doesn’t dwell excessively and manages to be just the right amount of sweet without leaving a cloying or overly sentimental taste in your mouth.

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” possesses a soothing, ointment-like charm, healing the wounds of disillusioned romantics. Although it might be purely imaginative, it’s an escape you’ll yearn to return to, much like cherished Jane Austen novels. Interestingly enough, our protagonist’s assumption is incorrect. Instead of destroying her life, Jane Austen actually unveiled the opportunities that were already within her grasp.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-05-24 07:01

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