Review: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life

Aspiring writer Agathe (Camille Rutherford) feels as if she was born in the wrong century while searching for love. In her quest to fulfill her dream of becoming an author, she decides to attend the Jane Austen Writer Residency. There, she meets Oliver (Charlie Anson), a cynical, distant nephew of the famed writer. Will their connection lead to romance, or will this courtship be nothing more than a good story?

This bilingual feature had the potential to be a heartwarming romantic comedy but ultimately fell short. While the story seems lighthearted, it is actually weighed down by the tension it tries to create. Although the film is titled “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life,” there are very few actual comparisons to the author. The books are mentioned a few times, and the main character does compare her best friend/love interest to one of the men from Austen’s novels, but that’s about it.

As Agathe points out to Oliver early in the story, “All female roles were solely written by men, and they were either idealized perfection or monsters. Jane made them human beings, even capable of humor.” This is truly the magic of Jane Austen. She allows you to fall in love not only with the men she describes but also with the women. You admire Elizabeth Bennet’s spirit and appreciate Emma’s spoiled and self-assured nature. However, what’s lacking here is a genuine connection with Agathe or her story.

If you are expecting a swoon-worthy romantic comedy, this may not be the film for you. “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” isn’t bad; it simply doesn’t feel rewarding to watch. There is nothing gripping or compelling, and the characters fall flat. While it attempts to be a modern love story with a Regency twist, it never quite achieves that goal. As Jane Austen once wrote, “If a book is well-written, I always find it too short.” This film is the opposite of that quote, as it felt overly long.