Paging Mr. Darcy Review: A Lovely Tribute To Jane Austen

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a Jane Austen fan must enjoy a bit of whimsy. There lies the one major issue with Paging Mr. Darcy. To adore Ms. Austen and not be a little bit silly and romantic? Blasphemy.

Obviously, Eloise needs this one major quirk to make the plot work. Additionally, she needs a heroine journey. The big ending speech doesn’t have an impact without conflict.

Without the conflict, she cannot change for the better.

Eloise’s too serious and anti-romantic approach to Jane Austen makes sense in the context that this is a movie and a Hallmark movie at that, but in the real world, it feels a bit unbelievable.

This is a generalization but if you love something so much to devote your whole career to it, you probably can also appreciate the fun and sometimes ridiculous aspects of it and its fans.

In fact, you would probably look forward to such an event every year. Because of this generalization, Victoria feels more realistic as a Jane Austen scholar.

Besides this minor issue with Paging Mr. Darcy, everything else works so well.

The film bewitches you body and soul with its charm. Its comedy isn’t silly as much as it is funny, the romance is magical, and Mallory Jansen and Will Kemp have natural and inviting chemistry.

Writer Reina Hardy clearly adores Austen as much as the viewers because of the impressive execution of the script. Paging Mr. Darcy showcases Austen in a way that teaches you about her and pays homage to her life and work. The script treats Austen with respect and care.

It’s a loving approach to a beloved author.

This Hallmark movie does several things very well, including taking inspiration from Pride and Prejudice by incorporating aspects and themes of the novel, but without making it a simple modern adaptation.

Sam isn’t Mr. Darcy, but he’s just as alluring as a love interest.

Paging Mr. Darcy works so well because it pleases Austen fans with its deep understanding of the work, but knows not to simply copy it.

This narrative choice especially pays off with Mia and Eloise’s sisterly bond. Mia is like various Bennet sisters mashed together. Pride and Prejudice always makes the sisterhood between the Bennet sisters, especially Jane and Elizabeth, a major focus.

Paging Mr. Darcy does the same. The film also knows to make Rob and Mia’s love story just as intriguing.

We want them to get a happy ending as well. You cheer when it happens.

Paging Mr. Darcy very much feels like a love letter to Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice. It approaches the subject with a sincere desire to appeal to fans of the novelist while being its own thing.

The movie is the perfect way to kick off Hallmark’s Jane Austen Loveuary. Looking forward to seeing if the other three films in the series can live up to the high standards set by this movie

Other Thoughts

• The fan conference feels so realistic. All the million-and-one storylines and activities surrounding it match the chaotic, but enthusiastic, nature of real-life fan conventions.
• Lillian Doucet-Roche is very charming and funny in this film.
• Though Mallory Jansen looks fantastic in her final dress, and it looks similar to the 2005 Pride and Prejudice dress, something about it didn’t wow as much as I was expecting as a final dress.
• Paging Mr. Darcy channels the spirit of many rom-coms. Certain scenes feel a lot like ones from other romantic movies. Still, I enjoy those little intentional or unintentional nods.
• I love how this film is very feminist and doesn’t make career and love seem like they’re in conflict. Successful women can have love and careers.

What did you think of Paging Mr. Darcy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Paging Mr. Darcy will be available to stream on Peacock for a limited time.

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