“love and friendship” movie review

Love and Friendship Chloe and Kate

Sometimes it shocks me that, even though I was an English major in college, I somehow missed reading so many classics.

For example, I had no idea Jane Austen wrote a novella called Lady Susan but you can bet I’ll be heading to the library to check it out after seeing Love and Friendship, the delightful new movie based on it. I ran a giveaway for the film last week and was so intrigued by the story, I spent yesterday afternoon at the lovely Angelika Film Center, transported back to the 18th century.

Love and Friendship posterThe plot centers around the book’s title character — played to perfection by Kate Beckinsale — who is a not-so-much-grieving widow biding time at her in-laws’ estate until the gossip about her affairs die down.

Scheming Susan, though, is not content to just sit around doing embroidery or playing the harp. Behind that charming smile is a well-hatched plan to find a pair of husbands: one for herself and one for her daughter, Frederica (Morfydd Clark).

I’m not going to tell you any more because I don’t want to spoil it.

I will tell you that the writing — Whit Stillman both wrote and directed the film — is clever and funny with an edge that is even more delicious and unexpected set against the elegant British accents and gorgeous period setting. Through hilarious onscreen notes, Stillman describes each character: Lady Susan is “a most accomplished flirt;” her assistant, Mrs. Cross, is her “impoverished friend, helps pack and unpack.” There’s also “a divinely attractive man” and “a bit of a rattle.”

Chloe Sevigny shines as Alicia Johnson, Lady Susan’s American friend and accomplice. It’s for good reason her “respectable” husband (Stephen Fry) has forbidden the two to spend time together, but Susan pooh-poohs the whole idea, telling Alicia, “What a mistake you made marrying Mr. Johnson. He’s too old to be governable, too young to die.”

Love and Friendship house

Susan also dismisses her daughter’s criticisms, saying, “Having children is our fondest wish but, in doing so, we breed our acutest critics.” Talk about a truth universally acknowledged.

This is a great choice for those missing Downton Abbey, even though it’s much more a comedy of manners than a drama. But it’s got sumptuous costumes, beautiful drawing rooms and a leading Lady who would give the Crawley sisters a run for their money.

21 thoughts on ““love and friendship” movie review

  1. I’ve always seen myself as Lady Susan LOL:) I’m a big Jane Austen fan but never read this book. Looking forward to seeing the movie so thanks for the review.

  2. Oh my gosh, I’m totally adding this to my watch list. It sounds like a perfect way to get over the loss of Downton Abbey. 😉

  3. Oh wow I just watched the trailer it I can’t wait to see. Lady Susan is hysterical! Thanks so much for sharing. It’s like getting Downtown back again!

  4. I am a HUGE fan of Downton Abbey so right away I am itching to see this movie.
    I just love that entire time period (well, I sure do like heat and indoor plumbing) so I know already I am going to love it!

  5. Someone should tell her that finding a husband isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. 😉 OOOh wait, that’s self-projection. 😉 You did a nice job on the review!

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