Pride and Prejudice and Zombies will leave you heart in your throat and your tummy in stitches with laughter [Review]
Bella Heathcote (L) and Lily James as Jane and Elizabeth Bennet.Even if you've never read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, you'll still enjoy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
In perhaps one of the most unusual adaptation of the classic story, the five Bennet sisters are not only well-bred, (mostly) well-mannered young ladies of 19th century England prime for marriage, they're so master zombie killers. Oh, yes, in this alternate version of the story, a mysterious plague had turned a huge part of the English population into zombies, and their numbers are steadily and speedily increasing. The remaining humans try to carry on with life as normal, but the treat of a undead attacking is ever present. It's also terrifying.
The movie starts off strong, and stays strong all the way until credits roll. What's wonderful, and very clever, about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is that while the zombies are awesome and gruelsome, they don't appear so often that the audience become immune to fear when they do. As a result, you'll spend much of the movie with your heart in your throat.
Those familiar with Austen's novel will definitely appreciate that the soul of Pride and Prejudice is still very much at the heart of the story. And those who loved the BBC mini-series will love the many tributes paid to it.
Mrs Bennet (Sally Phillips) is still the pushy mum trying to marry off her beautiful daughters, and she is simultaneously irritating and lovable in the role.
Meanwhile, adventure and excitement is a steady thread throughout the film as the Bennet sisters, led by Elizabeth (Lily James), prove they're more than just pretty faces. Zombies basically don't have a chance against them. Or against Mr Darcy (Sam Riley), for that matter, whose relationship with Elizabeth is just as enchanting and volatile as in the book and previous adaptations. And audiences will howl with laughter every time Parson Collins (Matt Smith) speaks. He's so blatantly and obliviously offensive, his scenes are some of the best in the movie.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is great fun, and full of strong female characters, including Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Lena Headey) who would give even Game of Throne's Queen Cersei a run for her money. Does it end happily with a wedding? Well, are zombies scary?