Don’t worry, Jane Austen did not rise from the grave to ruin this girl’s life. However, I think our darling Agathe would be absolutely thrilled if Jane Austen grew to be a perpetual thorn in her side.
In Laura Piani’s rom-com, we follow bookshop owner and aspiring author Agathe as she struggles with feeling stagnant. She is recovering mentally from a tragedy, grappling with her complicated feelings for her best friend, and unable to overcome her writer’s block. Things come to a head when she is accepted for a writer’s retreat and is forced to overcome more than one fear and grow into a confident version of herself.
Upon learning about this movie, I thought we would experience a French version of Austenland, a film about an Austen fanatic who gets to roleplay in a Jane Austen-themed resort. Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is more of a companion film. It is less zany and comedy-driven but delightfully made with the same spirited love for Austen. Piani’s film is an endearing rom-com filled with the fun, typical rom-com tropes, complete with an antagonistic meet-cute and the “why don’t they just say what they feel” trope. However, Piani leans towards a realistic approach to romanticism.
What drives the film is Piani’s intuitive understanding of Austen’s effect on romance. The ideals Austen wrote about paired with her strong characterizations of women have emboldened women to seek more from their romantic partners, but there is the unfortunate reality that it’s easier said than done. Piani eloquently speaks to the internal turmoil some women face when they must contend with their expectations not meeting reality, and with that said, Jane Austen did wreck our lives, but in a good way. Gently, elegantly and confidently, Austen was a disruptive force. It liberates women like Agathe, but they must be strong enough to realize they can stay true to their expectations and find happiness.
Camille Rutherford is delightful as the unsure and clumsy Agathe. She has a fierceness to her that is buried just beneath the surface, echoing the characterization of the classic Austen heroine. Meanwhile, Pablo Pauly and Charlie Anson fill out the roles of the classic Austen male leads quite well, too, with Anson leaning into the typical Darcy traits that women have been romanticizing for centuries. The chemistry between the cast is spectacular, which is due to Rutherford’s incredible ability to portray Agathe’s pathos. She is absolutely enthralling as a woman who truly feels like she was born in the wrong century.
Aside from the clever writing, the endearing characters, the aesthetic of the film, and the little details, the film creates a transportive experience. The cinematography, in particular, is incredibly charming. Its softness gives the film a whimsical touch, not too far removed from reality but highly romantic. Pierre Mazoyer’s work is vital to capturing Piani’s sensibilities, imbuing every frame with sweetness and hopefulness. The visual language is peak romanticism.
The film is perfectly timed, releasing during the 20th anniversary celebration of the popular adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is perfectly attuned to what loyal readers of Austen’s work, and the romance genre in general, want to see and feel. The film also speaks to those who enjoy writing yet are stumped by writer’s block and insecurity. Piani perfectly encapsulated the feelings of lust, yearning, heartache, trauma and love without exaggerations or hamming up the drama. The subtlety and care throughout the film make for a heartwarming and enjoyable experience that will have you falling in love with rom-coms and Jane Austen all over again.
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