The imposition of anachronistic elements to modernize Jane Austen's novel ultimately undermines the story and characters in this telling of Persuasion.
From a trendy exploitation of fourth-wall breaking to unsubtle sexual innuendo, modern-day music, and 21st-century self-help speak, Persuasion doesn't seem content enough with its original material. This is a shame, and the excellent cast suffers for it; in fact, adding in a contemporary diversity is one modernization that does work well here.
Johnson has the charisma and credibility to hold the camera's attention, but the snarky asides and forced complicity just don't fit with the character or the time period, otherwise faithfully crafted in beautiful settings and wardrobes.
This is a mixed bag that could've been better.
Read the full review at Common Sense Media.
Images courtesy of Netflix.
Comments