What is Netflix’s Persuasion about?

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has a lot of different adaptations whether they be movies, TV shows, or even new books giving the story a different twist or a modern take. But Persuasion, the last novel Austen wrote, hasn’t been so lucky. There have been a few films, but nothing compared to Pride and Prejudice. But Netflix is changing that.

Their newest romance is an adaptation of Persuasion and stars Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, Henry Golding, Richard E. Grant, Ben Bailey Smith, Yolanda Kettle, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Nikki Amuka-Bird.

Persuasion was published, along with Northanger Abbey, six months after Austen’s death, but it was the last book she finished. It’s typically considered her most mature work because of how it deals with older characters, lost love, and second chances.

Considering how well historical romances like Bridgerton have done on Netflix, this Austen movie is sure to be a hit as well. Maybe not as big as Bridgerton because Austen purists are already going after it, but it should still be a fun watch for people going in with an open mind.

The Netflix adaptation will be hitting the streaming service on Friday, July 15, 2022.

What is Persuasion about?

Persuasion tells the story of Anne Elliot, a young woman who is considered past her prime. (She’s 26 or 27.) She had a great love once when she was younger, but her family convinced her to give him up. Now, it’s years later and that love, Captain Frederick Wentworth, is back in town and visiting with people she knows.

Their first meeting is… awkward to say the least. But they are continually put together and a friendship starts to form and from there, they realize the spark they had when they were in love all those years ago is still there.

But it wouldn’t be a Jane Austen romance if there weren’t at least a few obstacles in the way. And some of those obstacles might just be Anne and Frederick themselves. It’s hard to say “Hey, I still like you. Do you still like me?” after eight years.

Take a look at the trailer for Persuasion here:

Based on the trailer alone, the creators definitely took some license with the story, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It can make it more fun to see someone take a classic work and make it into something new.

Will you be watching Persuasion on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!