‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Review: A Little Something for Everyone

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I should state that I went into Pride and Prejudice and Zombies a wee bit skeptical. I’m a die-hard Jane Austen fan, and thus I know Pride and Prejudice like the back of my hand. However, I’ve never read the 2009 parody novel by Seth Grahame-Smith on which the film is based. But hey, I like zombies. Seems like maybe this idea could work, right?

Not only does it work well as a film, but it far exceeded my expectations. It retained the feel of Austen, while adding in the perfect combination (for me) of comedy, action and well… zombies.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Official Description

A zombie outbreak has fallen upon the land in this reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic tale of the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England. Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) is a master of martial arts and weaponry and the handsome Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) is a fierce zombie killer, yet the epitome of upper class prejudice. As the zombie outbreak intensifies, they must swallow their pride and join forces on the
blood-soaked battlefield in order to conquer the undead once and for all.

The juxtaposition of the Bennet sisters in their dainty dresses against their rather impressive fighting skills is rather hysterical but not in a way that doesn’t work for the film. The women here don’t need men, despite their mother’s wishes for them all to be married to rich men. These women can take care of themselves, and they can likely protect an entire village with their combat skills.

The real star of this film, much to my delight, was Matt Smith (Parson Collins). There’s a special group of Austen fans who are also Whovians, and they will be thrilled with Smith’s performance here. His light-hearted and rather clueless demeanor provides some of the film’s best comedic moments.

Lily James (Elizabeth Bennet) also does a fine job and has amazing chemistry opposite Sam Riley (Mr. Darcy), and Lena Headey’s performance as Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a nice twist on the classic character. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the casting.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Trailer

Overall, the film is refreshing. It’s funny, it’s nolgastic, and it’s got a little something for everyone. It may look like a spoof movie that is typical of January/February release date, but the adaptation of Austen’s classic story into the world of horror works incredibly well. The film knows what it is, it embraces it, and it works damn well. This is the perfect “Galentine’s” movie for girls, and even if you go with your beau, I bet he forgets he’s watching anything Austen related.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Review

Grade: B

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