Starring: Lily James, Sam Riley, Douglas Booth, Bella Heathcote, Matt Smith, Lena Headey
Distributor: Roadshow Films
Runtime: 107 mins. Reviewed in Feb 2016
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In 2009, author Seth Grahame-Smith released a literary mash-up of sorts, in which he combined the text of Jane Austen’s classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with some new material, which refashioned the Bennett sisters as a family of zombie hunters. This adaptation from writer-director Burr Steers wrings some enjoyable moments from its disparate elements, but hews a little closer to the classical side of its roots, and never quite delivers on its nutty promise.
In an alternate England, a disease borne on ships from distant colonies transforms the infected into stiff-legged corpses with a hankering for human brains. The audience witnesses Colonel Darcy – now a leading zombie killer – visit a gathering of gentry after receiving a tip off about a potential infection. They are all enjoying a civilized game of cards. Darcy proceeds to track down and dispose of the hidden threat with impressive aptitude (and utilising a broken, blood-soaked wine glass). This abrupt tonal shift sets the bar for the rest of the film, and anyone deterred by the description of this violent outburst need not seek out a screening.
Meanwhile, in the country estate of Longbourn, Elizabeth is one of five beautiful Bennett daughters. Though all received a thorough education in Shaolin martial arts to fight the threat, their father has finally accepted the need to see them married to favourable suitors. There is no shortage of potential candidates. The handsome Mr Bingley sets his sights on eldest daughter Jane, their dandy cousin Parson Collins throws his own hat in the ring, charming soldier Lieutenant Wickham catches Elizabeth’s attention, and of course the arrogant but stirring Colonel Darcy is always waiting in the wings.
The cast is surprisingly adept at handling the shifting tones. Most play their roles straight, emphasising the setting’s repressed emotions, with occasional forays into slaying the undead with vigour. Lily James plays her Elizabeth along traditional lines – her long gazes are loaded with longing, and her witty rebuffs bridle with discontent at the gender politics of her milieu. All the Bennett daughters handle the combat requirements well, and it must be conceded that there is an unexpected joy in witnessing the cast, resplendent in costume designer Julian Day’s handsome historical garb, wield swords and other weapons against hordes of attackers. Only Matt Smith goes against the film’s serious grain with his extremely silly Parson Collins, a total fop devoid of tact, though good for a laugh or two.
Although the zombie threat ramps up towards the conclusion, the romance remains firmly in the driver’s seat. Even when the final battle for London is taking shape, the amorous manoeuvring between Elizabeth and her suitors merits the greatest number of story beats. This feels like a missed opportunity for Steers, as the oddness of the source material’s genre mismatch is never fully embraced. The film gets some humour from its script, but it comes largely from the social comedy aspect rather than the more outlandish presence of zombies. Finally, the action looks fine, with clear lensing displaying the well-choreographed brawls and strong production design.
Ultimately, the title feels about adequate: two-thirds classic literary drama, one-third bizarre and bloody actioner. Though this ratio doesn’t maximise the potential of the scenario, its entertaining viewing for genre fans nonetheless.
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