Regency Film and Television: Austenland

Austenland (2013) is not a period piece, but has so much Regency reference, that I think its a great film to get your fix.  I finally had the opportunity to watch it on HBO Max (currently streaming), and really enjoyed this delightful tale of a Jane Austen devotee who blows her life savings for an immersive experience into Regency England.  When she is treated like a poor relation and spars with the resident Darcy, Jane wonders if its finally time to set aside Austen for good.

There is a stellar cast, including Jennifer Coolidge with her signature schtick, and the Darcy figure is played by familiar JJ Feild (of Henry Tilney/Northanger Abbey note).  Kerri Russell is delightful and awkward as the slightly dorky Jane who engages with a little romance with Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords), too.

There are many nods to Austen’s various titles, the Regency era, and although not all the details are nailed its a fun foray into the fantasy of an immersive Regency house party.  The comedy is screwball like, the romance sweet and believable.  I loved that the patrons and actors do a theatrical, the ladies are forced to embroider the day away, and that the week is capped by a ball.

You can watch on HBO Max for free or rent on Amazon for under $4.

Austenland is based on a book by Shannon Hale of the same title.

 

 

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