Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) Film Review

With the zombie sub-genre expanding exponentially into nearly every other genre of media, it only seems inevitable that an iteration would take place next within the confines of a period drama – and what better period drama to be confined in than a classical Jane Austen novel? Based on the mash-up novel of the same name by Seth Grahame-Smith, the adaptation has had a long run of production issues ever since it was announced in late 2009 – with Natalie Portman and David O. Russell both dropping out of the picture – and fellow horror-historical mash-up movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (also based off a Grahame-Smith novel) doing mediocre work both financially and critically. But by focusing on a classic pre-written piece of work and twisting it to match the modern day popularity for the undead instead of a basic idea of "what if the President killed vampires?", and with an actress well known for being stuck in period outfits in the form of Cinderella/Downton Abbey's Lily James at the helm, it's a question of whether or not audiences will eat up this possibly dead-on-arrival picture or if it insults the classic for those die-hard Austen lovers. 

Early 19th century England is home to many things – dances, formality, and a zombie outbreak caused by a plague years ago. As such, the Bennet family are known to be sharp with weaponry and Chinese martial arts in case of an incursion as per their father's (Charles Dance) instruction. But the time has come for the five daughters to marry, with their mother (Sandy Phillips) urging them to marry into wealthy families, and during one such party hosted by one Mr. Bingley (Douglas Booth) he falls smitten for Jane (Bella Heathcote). Her older sister Elizabeth (James) on the other hand isn't all that interesting in marriage, with Colonel Darcy (Sam Riley) cementing her belief through his outlandish behaviour towards her. But Darcy himself has a fascination with her due to her extreme zombie-killing skills, which while is off-putting to potential suitor Mr. Collins (Matt Smith) attracts the attention of Darcy's semi-nemesis Mr. Wickham (Jack Huston). Will young Lizzie Bennet find true love with any one of her potential suitors? Or will a zombie plot get in the way of things? 

Yes, it's sounds stupid – combining the classic story of satire and manners and inserting a zombie plotline so that women in dresses can fight them using swords and pistols. And as far as the story combination goes, the zombie plot is a little side-lined for the sake of using the usual Pride and Prejudice moments. That being said though, it does present a good sense of enjoyment, thanks largely to a mildly witty script and a few spot-on performances. Those who are fans of zombie attacks may be disappointed by how few and how disinteresting they tend to be, as aside from an interesting introductory attack and a sequence involving all five Bennets during a party they tend to be more background fodder or surprise jump scares before the inevitable final battle that must be had. As for the actual Austen moments, they tend to be played rather straight-faced despite the absurd environment of which they're being played out through; although it does still leave to some moments of padding such as the recurring discussions between sisters (done through battle practices in an attempt to remain interesting) and the main chemistry between Lizzie and Darcy does seem to be mostly missing – rather vital for a story as beloved as this. 

Lily James gives a lot into her performance as Elizabeth Darcy – keeping a straight face and being as serious as possible for a version of her character that just so happens to have a good skill with a sword. Granted, her character does get mixed up with a lot of the zombie foreshadowing with more than enough encounters where they try to tell her something (only for something to get in the way), but her chemistry with her family members and some of the supporting cast does make up a little for that. Save for Sam Riley as Darcy, who's lack of emotions makes it hard to see him as either a romantic love interest or even much of a human. He certainly succeeds in terms of the action set pieces, but within the realm of the actual character he lacks the characteristics presented better by the likes of Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen, not to mention the intriguing screenwriting choices made about his on-off attachment to Elizabeth. Heathcote as the only other mentionable Bennet sister (the others are more for keeping with tradition and the occasional battle sequence than an actual story arc) does a fine enough job as the more romantically-entangled daughter of the clan, and her rapport with Booth is better than that of the two main leads despite getting barely any character development nor focus. Houston is charming in his performance, but later on does start hamming it up for the pantomime picture that he finds himself to be in, and the chosen arc that he possesses will surprise very few who've never encountered the Austen novel or its revamped edition.  

Oddly enough – and I try and say this unbiasedly considering the blog's namesake and my big focus on the topic – it's former Doctor Who lead Matt Smith who shines brightest as the comic relief character; instantly winning over audiences and certainly getting the biggest laughs until the very end. He does disappear somewhat during the latter third – mostly because he's one of the few weapon-free characters that are present in this film – but is a delight whenever he's onscreen, even if some of the dialogue he has tends to be a tad cliché as far as comedy characters go. Charles Dance is barely onscreen but is great to see when he is, as is wife Sandy Phillips; Lena Heady is a little lacklustre in terms of screen presence, but understands how ridiculous the whole affair is so hams it up a little; and the various sisters that appear and have actual dialogue do a fine, if minuscule, job. 

Perhaps better known for more of his teenage girl-friendly efforts 17 Again and The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud, director Burr Steers does an okay job in the head seat with a fine understanding at directing action – if not a little generic by modern day standards – and doing better at the more straightforward talkative scenes which make up the Austen areas. The choices made in post-production in regards to the lighting of the zombie-struck areas, and indeed the majority of the final climatic battle, are interesting in the sense that they look like standard effects you get from a trial run of any editing software (complete with faded sides and corners), and the grandness of balls and formal meetings seem a little more claustrophobic in comparison to something like Cinderella or Belle - although considering the circumstances the latter aspect may be forgivable.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is undeniably stupid. It has a few panto performances, some underwhelming action sequences and a disappointing romance in the centre of it...and it's unbelievable enjoyable watching it. It's intentional in knowing how stupid it is but tries its hardest to play it straight when necessary, and has a good batch of actors involved to top it off. Austen purists or die-hard zombie fans may not be too stricken by it, but as an uneven in-between film, it does at least make for a good 100 minutes (although that mid-credits scene is perhaps a little too stupid). 6/10.