'A quirkier, more comical take on the story' - Dakota Johnson's unconventional spin on Persuasion

Dakota Johnson Gives 'Persuasion' a Modern Twist

Just over a year since Netflix treated us to the first glimpse of 'Persuasion', the film's unconventional rendition, starring Dakota Johnson, has proven that a classic can be reimagined without losing its original charm. This fresh perspective on Jane Austen's mature and sophisticated novel, released posthumously in 1817, has fans buzzing with anticipation.

A Comedy-Romance Set in Regency England

Directed by theater veteran Carrie Cracknell in her feature debut, 'Persuasion' offers a unique twist on the traditional story. As Variety reported, the film centers on Anne Elliot, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, a 27-year-old woman attempting to navigate life after breaking off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis), a decision influenced by family friend Lady Russell (Nikki Amuka-Bird).

Fast forward seven years, and the past lovers are thrust back together when Anne's family rents their estate to Wentworth's sister and her husband. In classic Austen style, Anne soon finds herself in a love triangle with her ex-fiancé and her cousin, William Elliot (Henry Golding), the heir apparent to her father's estate.

Dakota Johnson's Fourth Wall Breaks Bring a Fresh Take

Johnson's portrayal brings a distinctively modern and humorous twist to the story, evident from the film's trailer. She frequently breaks the fourth wall to discuss her family dynamics and her tangled relationships, sprinkling in rom-com moments between Anne and Frederick. Her narration emphasizes the sweeping romance of the story and Anne's predicament, highlighted by a powerful line: "Don’t let anyone tell you how to live or who to love."

'Persuasion' was adapted to the screen by Ron Bass and Alice Winslow, with Michael S. Constable and David Fliegel serving as executive producers and Andrew Lazar, Christina Weiss Lurie, and Elizabeth Cantillon as producers. This modern, quirky interpretation of Austen's final masterpiece is sure to delight audiences when it premieres on Netflix.

As Dakota Johnson takes the helm of this beloved classic, she not only reaffirms the timelessness of Austen's storytelling but also emphasizes the enduring relevance of its themes. Anne, she presents a character grappling with societal expectations and the pursuit of personal happiness, showing us that even in the face of persuasion, one's true desires cannot be stifled.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)