If you have a good sense of humour and like 19th-century literature and films about the undead, you will enjoy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
This film is an adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name, which retells the classic story of Pride and Prejudice with the addition of the undead. It is set during Regency England, in an alternative reality where zombies plague the country, and gentlemen and ladies alike are trained in the art of fighting against them.
In this new narrative, Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James), a skilled zombie slayer, and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), a renowned monster hunter, must overcome new gruesome challenges in addition to the pride and prejudice they faced in the Jane Austen novel.
There are many positive aspects to this film. It is quite different from other film adaptations of Pride and Prejudice with its strange juxtaposition of characters practicing weaponry and fighting zombies, while speaking the dialogue from Austen’s original novel. It is differences like these that make it so delightful, as they offer a fresh perspective on the plot and contribute to the comic essence of this parodic film.
The addition of more active components to the original dialogue and story also makes the film more fun and exciting to watch. While the audience is still treated to the same costumes and dancing that make more classic adaptations of Austen’s novel so enjoyable, they also get to experience the thrill of watching Elizabeth Bennet slash through members of the undead with a sword as sharp as her wit.
The excellence of the film’s content is complimented by the performances of its cast. Matt Smith as Mr. Collins and Lily James as Elizabeth Bennet stand out in particular. Smith’s Mr. Collins is obnoxious, awkward, and unscrupulous in his pursuit of his bride and support of his estimable patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. His performance is hilarious, and fits in perfectly with the parodic, humorous nature of the film.
The only aspect of the film that was potentially negative was the occasional period inaccuracy, such as the incorrect address of Anne de Bourgh, which might be slightly irritating to a particularly observant and informed viewer. While some might perceive this as negative, it is my opinion that it does not detract from the film, but adds to it.
Although this adaptation of Grahame-Smith’s novel might offend some Austen purists with its integration of zombies into the classic plot of Pride and Prejudice, it stays true to the witty and lighthearted tone of the original text, which any true Austen fan will appreciate, and is in possession of a fun, exciting storyline that will delight viewers.
