Netflix’s latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion was released on the streaming service on July 15, 2022. The film was adapted to the screen by Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow and had Dakota Johnson in the lead role of Anne Elliot. The adaptation takes a modern approach to the classic story of the humble Anne, who, in the novel, is rational, considerate, and has immeasurable love for her family, giving up the man she loves to please her father, who thinks the suitor lacks standing.

Despite exploring a narrative familiar to any Austen lover, the film received mixed reviews from viewers and critics. While some appreciated the modern twist the producers had tacked on to the adaptation, as well as Johnson’s performance in her role as Anne, others were not too keen of the modern dialogues and the revamped Anne in Netflix’s Persuasion. Since the movie’s release, viewers have taken to social media to express their varying views. Here’s some of what fans had to say on Twitter.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Those Who Love Netflix’s Take

     Netflix

Netflix’s Persuasion has quite obviously put its own twist on a timeless classic. The main focus point has been dialogues. The producers have heavily used the communicative aspect to bring a more contemporary feel to the story. The effects of reinterpretation of the classic were referred to as “accessible and fun.”

Related Link: What Netflix’s Umma Reveals About Generational Trauma

Some viewers were also of the opinion that the fresh approach and the “lightness” given to the adaptation made the film all the more enjoyable. This opinion comes into a controversial space as many Austen fans have argued that the modern twist takes away from the essence of Austen’s writing. @AJRichardsonMP said:

Praise for Dakota Johnson

     MRC

Dakota Johnson’s Anne definitely strays from the demure Anne in the Austen source text. The Anne in the latest adaptation is instead quite outspoken, witty, and open to letting viewers know of her heartache. However, many found Dakota’s performance refreshing. User @mastkhankhel99 said:

“Controversial, but just want to say that I enjoyed the lightness and modern cultural references (playlist for sheet music?) in the new Persuasion on Netflix with Dakota Johnson. What did you think? #JaneAusten”

Another called Johnson “absolute perfection,” tweeting that she perfectly executed every scene she was in. The actress’ performance, along with the cast, soundtrack, and setting of the adaptation, were regarded as features that made the movie a pleasure to watch.

“Dakota Johnson is a revelation.

Loved #PersuasionNetflix, what a fun and quirky adaptation!”

A Lack of Chemistry

However, not all reactions to Netflix’s Persuasion were positive. The majority opinion remained that Netflix has not done justice to the original tale. Viewers felt that one aspect where the film fell short was the chemistry between the main characters. The chemistry between Dakota Johnson (Anne Elliot) and Cosmo Jarvis (Captain Frederick Wentworth) has been picked and prodded on because it seems almost forced. User @bfraane1s tweeted:

“Watched #Persuasion on Netflix. Dakota Johnson was absolute perfection in every scene she was in. The dialogues, the cast, the story of regret & long lost love, ending the movie with ‘Quietly Yours’ by

@birdy

…Loved everything! Some movies just hit you right in the heart!”

Related Link: Madame Web Receives Three Month Delay From Sony

“Finally watching Netflix’s Persuasion and honestly for me the biggest failing is that Dakota & Cosmo have ZERO chemistry. If the leads actually infused the sad, longing tone in their performance the movie might not be so bad.”

Another user was baffled at the fact that an adaptation of a Jane Austen novel could yield such unsuccessful results. They, too, felt that the lack of chemistry between the lead actors was a significant downfall for the film. “Watch for the supporting actors and tolerate the others,” they advised those on Twitter.

An Injustice to Austen

Another source of negativity towards the adaptation came from Austen lovers who wanted an adaptation that was more faithful to the source text. Seeing it as a disrespect to Austen’s work, @cestlanotes wrote:

The modernization of the dialogues again became a significant point of contention. Those who were not too keen on the adaptation picked on certain lines that they thought were inappropriate for a classic such as Persuasion. @loversrespite said:

“the netflix adaptation of persuasion HURTS jane austen probably rolling in her grave rn bc what the heck was that”

Netflix’s Persuasion has attracted reactions ranging from love to hate to everything in between. It was an undoubted risk by the creative team behind the adaptation to have approached a classic tale in the manner they have. Now that the votes are in, the gamble has paid off only in concern of one segment of viewers who found the take refreshing. It has fallen short of the expectations of others who considered it a disrespect to a much-loved Austen classic. If you haven’t watched the film yet, it is up to you to give it a chance and arrive at your own conclusions.

“jane austen did not die rejecting every single man who ever came into her life for dakota johnson to say “now we’re worse than exes, we’re friends” in netflix’s persuasion”

Persuasion is available for viewing on Netflix now!