Becoming Ms. Bennet: Pride & Prejudice

Becoming Ms. Bennet: Pride & Prejudice is a charming romantic comedy that introduces the world of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, into a modern and refreshing twist. This enchanting film stars Lexi Giovagnoli as Elizabeth Scott and David Witts as Donovan Darcy, both delivering stellar performances that truly breathe life into the characters they portray.

The film sets in motion when our protagonist, Elizabeth Scott is an elementary school teacher rooted in her career with an undying love for literature. Nevertheless, she harbours an aspiration to make her mark in acting, which she hasn't given up on. She is on the quest of finding that one opportunity that would unravel her path in acting. Her life takes an interesting turn when she lands a role in a local theatre production, a chance to portray her favorite character, Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s beloved novel Pride and Prejudice.

Elizabeth Scott's journey forms the central crux of the movie where she learns the ins and outs of theatre, navigating her way through scripts, rehearsals, and a demanding director. Being dedicated to her day job and juggling the demanding schedules and requirements of her theatre gig demonstrate her determination and love for literature and acting. It is in this whirlwind of action that she meets Donovan Darcy, the actor chosen to play the role of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet’s love interest in the novel.

David Witts, a phenomenal actor, brings to life the character of Donovan Darcy—a prominent, pompous actor with an austere aura, famous for his roles on TV and big screen. Donovan, playing the part of the infamous Mr. Darcy, is initially withdrawn, cold, and difficult to approach, thoroughly engrossed in his character. Much like his character in the novel, he showcases a pretentious front at first, similar to the original Mr. Darcy.

Director Monika Mitchell does an impressive job of infusing Jane Austen’s cherished character arcs and relationship dynamics into a new setting. The film smoothly transitions from Elizabeth Scott's ordinary life as a teacher to her extraordinary journey of becoming Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice. While Elizabeth initially finds Donovan distasteful and aloof, much akin to the initial interactions between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the original novel, she discovers more similarities between her life and the character she is playing on stage.

The screenplay of the film brilliantly incorporates elements from the source material but also succeeds in grounding the story in the realities of contemporary society. The chemistry between Giovagnoli and Witts sparkles in delightful fashion, displaying a range of emotions from initial dislike to eventual admiration, ultimately echoing the heart of Pride and Prejudice.

This movie does a wonderful job of weaving parallels between the unfolding contemporary theatre production and the narrative of Austen's classic novel. The film does not merely recreate Pride and Prejudice, but it mirrors its iconic love-hate relationship and the social critique inherent in Austen's work, providing viewers with a layered, multifaceted narrative.

Becoming Ms. Bennet: Pride & Prejudice colonizes nostalgia for the beloved novel, with well-paced comic moments, and manages to sustain the intensity required for the dramatic high-points. The movie is not just an adaptation, but an ode to Jane Austen and her genius in illustrating the complexity of relationships and class struggles in her time. It highlights how the themes prevalent during Austen’s time are still remarkably relevant today.

Secured by charming lead performances, a witty script, and deft directorial treatment of the source material, Becoming Ms. Bennet: Pride & Prejudice is a contemporary romantic comedy that brings classic literature to the theatre and vice versa. It successfully manages to entertain and engage, delivering a love story embedded with ye olde charm with a modern twist. It's a perfect watch for romantic comedy lovers, Jane Austen enthusiasts, and everyone in between. In the end, fans of Pride and Prejudice will find something to love in the clever twist, and newcomers will enjoy the wit, charm, and romance of this modernized version.