Dull, lifeless and plain boring - one of the worst Austin adaptations of recent years.
Aided and abetted by her loyal friend Alicia Johnson (Chloe Sevigny), Lady Susan is on a mission to find a husband for herself and her long-suffering daughter Frederica. But two young men, the handsome Reginald DeCourcy (Xavier Samuel) and wealthy Sir James Martin (Tom Bennett), severely complicate their plans.
Kate Beckinsale is a talented actress and she certainly has moments of greatness in this film, overall it isn’t the performances that are lacking - it’s the abysmal script. The adaptation of the Austin short story is tacky with many hand-fisted jokes that pander to modern audiences. The direction is also poor with many scenes not being composed to their best ability. The music is strong, but often used inappropriately.
Unusually instead of introducing characters they have them look at the audience with a title card underneath - a simply awful way of introducing characters to the audience.
Overall one to avoid, just go back and re-watch Sense & Sensibility.
1.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas
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