PERSUASION (2022)

PERSUASION is a new adaptation on Netflix of a Jane Austen novel, about a woman who rejects a suitor because her friends convince her he isn’t rich enough, but when the man comes back into her life eight years later, she hopes to rekindle their love. PERSUASION is an enjoyable, wholesome movie with a strong Christian, moral worldview containing references to church, prayer and judging people justly instead of judging by their wealth or social status.

Anne has loved a man named Wentworth for many years. At one time, Wentworth asked for Anne’s hand in marriage, but she was advised by friends to not marry him, because he wasn’t wealthy. Despite her decision, Anne has spent years thinking fondly of Wentworth and thinking she made a mistake.

Wentworth comes into Anne’s life again, as he is visiting the area and goes to dinner with Anne’s family. However, Anne decides to stay home with her nephew instead of going to the dinner. Many times, Anne is in this position, as she is very caring and thinks of others before herself. When the family returns from dinner, though, her cousin, Louisa, has developed feelings for Wentworth.

Louisa and Wentworth spend more and more time together, and Anne is saddened by the fact that she let him go and denied his proposal. One day Wentworth asks Anne if she would be his friend, and she’s crushed he doesn’t want to have a romantic relationship with her again. It isn’t long after, though, that a new prospect comes into Anne’s life, Mr. Elliot. Mr. Elliot is very forward about his feelings toward Anne. Wentworth sees this interaction and starts to act defensively toward Anne.

Does Wentworth still have feelings for Anne? Is there hope to rekindle the love between Anne and Wentworth, or will Wentworth choose Louisa?

This version of PERSUASION, originally by Jane Austen, is well done, but it’s made with a modern twist as the main character breaks the Fourth Wall by looking directly at and addressing the audience. The dialogue also has some modern words thrown in and modern commentary. Overall, the movie is wholesome and effectively builds romantic tension. Also, the cinematography skillfully captures the beautiful locations where the movie was filmed.

PERSUASION has a strong Christian, moral worldview about not judging people by their wealth or social status and not being persuaded by the opinions of others. The movie also has some commentary that vanity and selfishness don’t lead to a fulfilling life. PERSUASION has some positive references to church and prayer, but one line of dialogue says the Universe brought two people together.