I’m generally not the biggest fan of Jane Austen adaptations. They are usually fine, but with the material far too familiar they tend to lack some dramatic interest. Thankfully, Love & Friendship is based on a novella I am unfamiliar with, Lady Susan, which has been adapted in a witty style by writer/director Whit Stillman.
Moving at a rapid pace, squeezing in a whole host of characters whilst staying focused on the main story, and providing a number of laughs, it is a delight. Kate Beckinsale is very good as lady Susan Vernon, a widow scheming to act as matchmaker for her daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark) and herself. Clark is good too, though the acting honours go to Chloë Sevigny as Susan’s best friend Alicia, and to Tom Bennett as the hilariously idiotic Sir James Martin.
The film has all the period trappings you would expect, and the usual cast of stalwart British actors in the smaller roles, but it feels both fresh and very funny.
Rating: 8 out of 10