An American in Austen Review: Bewitching Body and Soul

Caution: An American in Austen may be too charming to handle. Foolishly, after seeing Love & Jane,  I thought Paging Mr. Darcy was the best movie in this series.

I am wrong.

This trip into Austen-inspired worlds has been worth the journey for these charming films. An American in Austen especially delights in its creative explorations of Jane Austen’s books. Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic reimagined, modernized, and remade dozens upon dozens of times.

Many may not want another adaptation of the most well-known Austen story. However, this Hallmark movie proves that you can’t go wrong with Pride and Prejudice, especially when you present it in inventive ways.

The premise of An American in Austen isn’t new and unique, Lost in Austen uses a similar idea. However, this is not the first story to explore this idea but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating.

It both reinvents the idea of Pride and Prejudice and the idea of someone finding themselves in an Austen novel. I would gladly watch Harriet stumble around all of Austen’s novels.

Eliza Bennett shines in this movie.

Bennett is the first example of perfect casting in An American in Austen. Her on-screen charisma and warmth make her endearing and someone you want to see win. She also knows how to excel at comedy in physical and verbal form.

Watching Bennett makes you want to see her in more romantic comedies. With the right on-screen partners, she could thrive in that genre.

The entire cast of An American in Austen showcases that you can elevate a good script with a great cast. Cameron Johann wrote an entertaining script and Clare Niederpruem directed this film like someone who understands the romantic comedy world.

The film needs both of them to work, but it’s hard to imagine this film working as well with a less-than-promising cast.

Nicholas Bishop and Nell Barlow play very likable Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. These two have the major task of getting Darcy and Elizabeth’s personalities right but also make them very funny. Barlow and Bishop accomplish this easily.

Additionally, all the actors playing the Bennet family thrive at translating their characters to this story.

Pride and Prejudice stans may not adore this film, but it does a fairly exciting job at bringing the story to life and also creating a rootable heroine in Harriet.

The one major downfall of An American in Austen may be the main romance. If someone enters this movie wanting the traditional Hallmark romance, they may be disappointed.

However, it fits the theme of Austen. Love is important but discovering your passions and finding yourself through a fabulous journey is just as vital.

It is also a film about Harriet finding out that books are great but life can be better if you don’t hide. Plus, the opening scenes seem enough to make the audience root for Harriet and her “maybe” future husband.

An American in Austen combines silliness and charm to create a very well-crafted romantic comedy and tribute to Austen and Pride and Prejudice.

Stray Thoughts

• This film has so many good quotes. May have to rewatch and write some down.
• Hallmark is really making me want these fake books in these films.
• The old maid and American jokes are simple but still so funny in this movie.
• I love how Harriet rolled her eyes at the introduction of certain characters. It feels organic to real reactions from those who love Pride and Prejudice.
• I am disappointed Darcy didn’t give the entire “You have bewitched me body and soul” speech.
• Now that’s how you make a great Taylor Swift joke in a film or television show. 
• I enjoy reviewing these Jane Austen Loveuary films so much that I will miss them after next week’s final film.

What did you think of An American in Austen? Let us know in the comment section! 

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An American in Austen will be available to stream on Peacock for a limited time. 

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