Netflix’s Persuasion ending explained: Is it different from the Jane Austen novel?

If you’ve been on social media lately, chances are you’ve seen many people’s opinions about Netflix’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion. Most of the early reviews have been less than stellar, but any Austen fan who is looking for a fun adaptation of one of Austen’s most revered novels is sure to like the film.

The film combines what everyone knows and loves about the Persuasion story and adds some modern phrases into it. This addition is what has ultimately made people put their noses up to the film as if they were Sir Walter Elliot themselves.

But this is nothing new for the Austen fandom. People have been gatekeeping for decades. Just look at how often the fight about the best Pride and Prejudice adaptation comes up on social media. The 2005 version came out 17 years ago and people still complain.

Look at the people who needed their smelling salts with the 2020 adaptation of Emma came out. Anyone who has been in the fandom long enough knows the pattern well. It’s upsetting to see it still occurring.

This new film stars Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, Henry Golding, Richard E. Grant, Ben Bailey Smith, Yolanda Kettle, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Lydia Rose Bowley, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Izuka Hoyle, and Nia Towle.

How does Netflix’s Persuasion end?

Obviously, there will be major spoilers here so if you haven’t seen the movie yet, please avert your eyes.

The movie ends much as the novel does. Anne finds the letter Wentworth wrote her and reads it. It is known as one of the most romantic letters in literature, and they used the exact wording in the movie.

From there, she runs after him, hoping she’s not too late. Luckily, fate is kind to both of them this time. She catches him on the street and they embrace and kiss.

She also happens to see Mr. Elliot, who was supposed to be her potential suitor, making out with Penelope Clay, who everyone thought would marry her father. The scandal!

The film finishes with Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay’s wedding and with Louisa and Henrietta matched up as well. We find Anne and Wentworth back where we saw them at the beginning: In a field in each other’s arms. It’s a happily ever after for everyone. As it should be.

What did you think of the ending of Netflix’s Persuasion? Let us know in the comments below!