Austin's Warriors

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

By many, Jane Austin (Sense and Sensibility) is considered to be one of the best authors of all time. During a time when it was difficult to be a woman, she wrote strong women characters and shed light on social inequalities. One of her most beloved novels has been given a ‘horrific’ facelift of sorts. In 2009 the novel was reworked by another author by the name of Seth Grahame-Smith (Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter) in a surprisingly cleaver way. This ‘monster mash-up’ even rocketed to number 3 on the New York Times Best Seller List. Of course because of the novel’s success there surely would be a major motion picture adaption. Well, I give you Lionsgate and Screen Gems’ Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

In the middle of the 18^th century, a deadly virus as spread across the world. The virus, however, does not kill it’s victims but turns them into zombies, the feeders of human brains. The battle with the undead has caused much pain across England and so has forced a lot of families to seek combat training from the likes of the Japanese and Chinese. One such family is the Bennet’s, with the eldest daughter Elizabeth (Lily James Cinderella) being the most skilled. Though with the world on the brink of a zombie apocalypse, it is still prudent to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to see their daughters properly married to a wealthy family. That might be easier said than done for young Elizabeth, especially with all of the zombies roaming the English countryside.

I have to fully admit, I had no idea what to expect from this film. I have read Grahame-Smith’s other novel Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter and thought it to be a very entertaining twist on a much beloved historical figure. I was, unfortunately, highly disappointed by the film adaption. Because of this, I was turned off by any other his other works for fear of disappointment by Hollywood and vowed to just see his movies. I am glad that I did so because I don’t think I would have enjoyed this film as much as I did. Is this a ridiculous concept? Yes. Is this an oddly great mixture of two genres? Surprisingly yes. This is very much a film that all reality needs to be suspended and just accept the world that is being presented to you.

Ms. James has presented a very fascinating take on Elizabeth Bennet. This version is powered not by her will, but of her confidence in a fight. This is evident when she is paired with Sam Riley’s (Maleficent) Mr. Darcy, a strong warrior himself. Both bring the essence of the original characters from Austin’s novel, but with a much edgier tone. Their chemistry together is quite good, which makes it easier to be swept away into this film.

Kudos to director Burr Steers (17Again) for not making this film has campy and corny as it could have been. Given to the wrong director and this film could have gone horribly wrong. The scenes from Austin’s novel are given a Regency feel and elegance which transports the audience to this time period. That quickly dissipates when the zombie action is taking place. That elegance quickly turns to a darkly/grittier toned film.

I would think that my only real gripe with the film is the restraint it shows with it comes to the zombie slashing fun. This film could have easily been a hard R rated film, but because of the chance of a wider audience (more money) they tagged it a PG-13. I sometimes think that Hollywood needs to take the occasional chance and see what would happen. I think that a lot of zombie fans may have come out to see this flick if they knew producers took a chance and made it more gory.

Please don’t expect more of this film than what it presents. This is a film just to watch and be entertained, nothing more. The absurd idea of this film is just that…absurd. However, once you realize the daftness of it and the sheer hilarity of what this plot is…you will find the entertainment value. Just sit back and enjoy a unique version of Jane Austin’s most popular novel with a slight zombie twist.

The Verdict: Watch on Cable.