Netflix has announced that a new Pride and Prejudice series is in the works -- written by Dolly Alderton and directed by Euros Lyn. Say less! I’m already seated!
The announced cast has me giddy -- Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman? An unexpected treat for fans ofThe Crown! I'm confident Alderton (who won over legions of young women with her memoir Everything I Know About Love) and Lyn (Heartstopper, anyone?) will breathe fresh air into a classic that’s been trotted out for audiences time and again. And no, that’s not a complaint–I’ll fall for Lizzy and Darcy every time. Before Alderton’s foray into the Austenverse debuts, I plan to do a rewatch of my three favorite adaptations–and I encourage you to do the same!
The age-old debate of 2005 Kiera Knightley movie vs 1995 BBC limited series rears its head! You can't convince me that there’s a better Darcy than Colin Firth, but I have to admit to the aesthetic appeal of the 2005 film. That said, I think the BBC series is the perfect place to start on a Pride and Prejudice deep dive. It’s unfailingly loyal to the original novel and Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth are wonderfully, romantically restrained in their starring roles. Plus -- I know the 2005 hand flex was heard round the world–but you really can’t discount the cinematic importance of Colin Firth's swim in the lake at Pemberley.
After spending six hours with the BBC, take a little break and immerse yourself in the 2005 movie starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I was resistant to this film for a long time because of my attachment to the mini series. But I can't fight it anymore--it really is a great movie. The Bennet sisters are an all-star line up and you can get lost in the sweeping vistas and golden light. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this second stop on the Pride and Prejudice tour. While the story is a bit cut-for-time (the perils of movie-length vs series-length adaptation), you’ve already gotten every detail you could possibly want from the BBC.
Finally, I’ll be turning to the 2016 masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Based on a spoof novel of the same name, it sees the Bennets and Mr. Darcy in a zombie-infested England, trained for combat with the undead. Strict society rules meet heart-stopping action, Lily James stuns as always, Darcy speaks in a disarming Voldemort-esque growl, and Matt Smith gives, hands down, the best performance of Mr. Collins. Altogether, it's a fun romp to finish out your Pride and Prejudice journey and prepare yourself for the new Netflix show.