It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman of a certain age on the brink of spinsterhood must be in want of a love life. But is it though?

Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford) is in her early 30s, she works at the iconic Parisian bookshop Shakespeare and Company, and dreams of becoming a novelist like her heroine Jane Austen. She laments that she was born in the wrong century because she doesn’t believe in casual sex. Quite a stark contrast to her single-mom sister Mona (Alice Butaud) whom she shares an apartment, as Mona can’t even remember the name of a man she’s just slept with. By her own admission, Agathe hasn’t been intimate with a man in two years despite constant flirtation with her womanizing colleague/bestie Felix (Pablo Pauly). In a conversation with Félix, she declares that she really relates to Anne Elliot in Persuasion, as Anne too was considered an old maid, as at 27, she’s lost her bloom after having turned down Wentworth’s proposal.

As a Janeite, that is, an enthusiastic fan of Jane Austen and her works, I always welcome movies inspired by her works. The fact that this rom-com is set in France makes it unique. I guess the French love Austen too! Agathe is the quintessential French girl, with her chic striped top, bold red lips, and adorably messy hair. Prone to daydreaming, she can get lost in her fantasy world, like when she’s dining solo at a Chinese restaurant and inspiration strikes when she sees an exotic naked man reflected in her sake cup.

As fate would have it, Agathe gets an invite from the Jane Austen Residency Writers Residency, apparently Félix had secretly submitted a couple of chapters of her romance to them. Agathe is reluctant at first, but Felix and Mona urge her to go. Just as she was about to board the ferry to England, she and Félix shared a kiss that seemed to hint at a possible romance. Perhaps there’s something in the air or the thought of her leaving that brings out fresh emotions in Agathe for his ‘breadcrumber’ bestie.

Once across the pond, she’s greeted by none other than Oliver (Charlie Anson), a contemporary lit professor who reveals that he’s Austen’s great-great-great nephew and her parents run the residency. You’d think Oliver would be proud to have such a literary pedigree, but he snarkily remarks that Austen’s work is overrated [gasp!]. Naturally, Agathe deems him arrogant… the two don’t get off on the right foot, a la Mr. Darcy and Lizzy Bennet, so of course we know where that is going.

While most rom-coms often portray women seeking for fairytale romance, writer/director Laura Piani turns the genre on its head as Agathe is more anxious about her literary ambition. The title about Austen ‘wrecking’ her life isn’t really about having unrealistic hopes for the perfect romance (since Austen’s heroines often struggle with that), but rather about Agathe’s fixation on discovering the ideal love story that meets Austen’s expectations. The narrative sometimes feels a bit aimless, and the love triangle feels unnecessary, but its charm outweighs its flaws.

Rutherford is quite captivating as she adeptly mixes Agathe’s quirky awkwardness via her physical comedy with her solemn, introspective side. Agathe often starts writing but can’t seem to finish, so the struggle of writer’s block is real. Agathe’s restlessness is kind of charming and relatable at the same time. Anson is no stranger to Austen-inspired films. I remember him as Mr. Hurst in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, who’s shocked to learn that Lizzie Bennet prefers reading to cards. I actually like the fact that Anton is not exactly dashing in the traditional sense like Colin Firth, but what’s important is he’s got a nice chemistry with Rutherford.

As the film is more about Agathe’s journey, we don’t really know much about Oliver. We barely even see him at work, for example, though he is pictured as being a dutiful son to his ailing father. Agathe is more well-rounded, and we even get her backstory midway through about how she lost her parents, another thing she shares with Anne Elliot, who lost her mother early in life. Staying at the tranquil English estate gives Oliver and Agathe plenty of chances to bump into each other, mounting tension as they steal glances during after-dinner readings or walks in the woods. There’s even a Regency-themed ball where the two have a playful dance. I adore the scenery in Paris and the English countryside; it sure made me wish I could spend two weeks at an Austen writing residency. 

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life makes it an ideal rom-com for me, as it’s not formulaic like a Hallmark or Netflix rom-com. While it’s a bit predictable, as Austen’s romance often has a happy ending, it’s got more substance beyond a woman finding the right man. Being that it’s a French film, it’s less prudish than English or even American rom-coms. There’s nudity and a sex scene, but they’re done for laughs, and some crude language warrants its R rating. The movie is mostly in French with some English once she’s at the residency.

Whether or not Austen fans love this one depends on whether they’re purists or not. It may veer off the beaten path into its own narrative, but the essence of Austen is certainly present. I think Austen herself would appreciate stories about a woman who’s living life according to her own rules. It’s a pretty solid directorial debut from Piani, I’m curious what she would tackle next.

What are your thoughts about this movie? I’d love to hear it!