by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Timing can be everything. We seek the perfect time and place in our lives for a relationship, and the truth is that the world will never give it to us. The same can be said about tackling a project. Art is a relationship into which we put so much of ourselves, and we need to find the right amount of time and care to dedicate to it. That is the core of the charming, funny, and moving French romance called Jane Austen Wrecked My Life.
We are introduced to our protagonist Agathe (Camille Rutherford). She runs a bookstore, and is a writer as well. Trauma looms over her (related to a car accident and her parents) and a will-they-won’t-they dynamic with her best friend Félix (Pablo Pauly). Agathe lives with her sister and nephew, and has found comfort (and discomfort) in this situation. Then, an opportunity to be a part of the Jane Austen Residency in England breaks her from her safe existence, but not before her friendship with Félix is complicated by an unexpected goodbye before her trip. Writer/director Laura Piani puts her protagonist in a wholly new scenario, yet Agathe struggles to write and commit to her art. But Agathe finds herself in an awkward place, as she spends a lot of time with Austen’s descendant, Oliver (Charlie Anson), and his parents. A lot happens over the course of this romance, much of it familiar and a tad cliché, but Piani still finds something special.
We have seen plenty of love triangles in films, but Piani explores some interesting elements in the dynamic between Agathe, Félix, and Oliver. Agathe struggles to commit to anyone (highlighted by her longstanding lack of sexual connection), highlighted by the delightful but hollow flirtations of her relationship with Félix pre-trip. Félix places her in a tough spot, and perseverates on a singular action, muddying Agathe’s growing connection with Oliver.
Glum. Sad. Stunted. Those describe both Agathe and Oliver. Watching them overcome these with each other is one of the most engrossing parts of the film. The frustration of watching Agathe doing literally anything but writing on this retreat is a driving force of drama and conflict. The dynamic between her and Oliver’s parents is wholesome and beautiful and, in some way, feels like an opportunity for her to overcome her own loss. With the other writers, the film explores some general themes and ideas around writing and art, yet it’s Agathe who Piani takes on a rich and satisfying emotional journey. The resolution isn’t particularly original, but there is something poetic in Piani’s execution.
As for the work behind the camera, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is quite French. It balances romance, humor, and inspiration, with a touch of sadness to make everything else even more impactful. This film has an authentic feel because it balances these human elements in such a raw way. It’s tenderly and delicately sincere. Piani does such great work crafting a gorgeous film that lives in its classic residence and the gorgeous forests around it, while remembering the appeal of Paris as well. There are not a lot of big film making choices, but the work by cinematographer Pierre Mazoyer is precise. A particular shot of Agathe and Oliver walking away from each other is so affecting thanks to Mazoyer’s blocking and framing choices. Meanwhile, the music is rich and pregnant with feeling. For such a sensitive film, a score can make all the difference. Composer Peter Von Poehl aligns perfectly with Piani’s vision and tone. There are some fun storytelling choices as well, with Agathe hearing the inner thoughts of her fellow writers. Piani crafted a truly beautiful film.
The actors rise to the occasion as well. Camille Rutherford… bravo. Her performance is deeply moving. Agathe is a layered and complex character, and Rutherford finds all those intricate layers. Her body language and facial expressions nicely channel Agathe’s looming sadness. We feel the weight on her, but when she smiles… there is a spark. Those moments feel so special because Rutherford has been fully enveloped in her character, and that joy is raw. Her awkwardness and frustration always come across as genuine.
Pauly is charismatic like Félix, and he brings a lot of charming energy. We can see why Agathe is charmed by him. Their journey together (and apart) works because of their wonderful chemistry. Anson is a special kind of sad and stone-faced as Oliver. He accomplishes something great by selling so much emotion and connection with a mostly straight-faced performance. His deadpan humor is precise and delivers every time. When Agathe and Oliver share a classic Austen style dance… wow. There is a spark in that scene, with Rutherford and Anson’s chemistry coming to a rousing climax. There are also fun turns from Liz Crowther and Alan Fairbairn, who add wonderful heart to the film.
This is just a lovely film. The clichés and expected beats only lay the groundwork, while Piani and her cast add the layers. There are so many laughs to be had between the charming slapstick, awkwardness, and banter. Rutherford is the real standout, though, guiding us through Agathe’s journey.
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is rich in themes, gorgeous in craft, and excellent in execution.
Rating: Loved It
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is currently playing in theaters
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