Director: Laura Piani
Writers: Laura Piani
Stars: Camille Rutherford, Pablo Pauly, Charlie Anson
Synopsis: A desperately single bookseller, lost in a fantasy world, finds herself forced to fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer in order to stop messing up her love life.
When women are written in a realistic manner, giving them personal agency and with their intelligence at the forefront, it’s no wonder those stories stand the test of time. Jane Austen’s work has been a comforting hand to hold, especially as a woman whose path in life refuses to adhere to societal norms. Countless adaptations of Austen’s work have been brought to any and every form of retelling imaginable, from plays to television; you don’t have to look far to see her influence on the world still today. Writer and Director Laura Piani pays an endearing homage to Austen’s work with her newest film Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, a lively rom-com that is equally smart and giddy with love.
In true Austen fashion, Piani opens her film in a bustling bookshop, where audiences are introduced to Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford), a lonely bookkeeper looking for love while working on her writing. It’s clear from our first encounter with Agathe that she is the epitome of an Austen main character; she seemingly has no prospects, is unhappy with the direction of her life, and has little to no self-esteem. Working in a bookstore in France, Agathe passes time during her workday dreaming of romance while suggesting only the best Austen books to her customers. Her writing is a point of frustration in her life as much as it is her creative outlet; stories as of late have been going unfinished, leaving Agathe unfulfilled. One drunken night at a solo sushi date, Agathe finds inspiration at the bottom of her sake glass, a story that would launch her into a new adventure.
There’s something special about Agathe’s writing that catches the right attention as she finds herself with an invite to a retreat for writers. There’s a reluctance in Agathe while she mulls over if she should take this opportunity or continue to live in a cramped apartment yearning for purpose. With some convincing by her coworker best friend Felix (Pablo Pauly), she agrees to take the trip, hoping that the location will inspire her. The trip is already set off with hiccups, with Agathe butting heads with her overbearing chauffeur Oliver (Charlie Anson), who quickly becomes a recurring annoyance during her retreat away. Those in Agathe’s life know that her writing is praiseworthy to the highest degree, but, in true writer’s fashion, she doesn’t believe it’s anything extraordinary. While away from the distractions of home, Agathe finds herself in a dreamlike retreat that has more than enough inspiration in both writing and romance to go around.
There’s a wonderful tonal balance in Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, as there’s no lack of humor with Agathe going through some skin crawling embarrassing moments. Romance is alive and well just as much as the humor, with characters exploring their newfound feelings with one another. Piani’s writing within the film is witty and this is where Austen’s influence is at its most. Most of these influences come from Agathe and the situations she finds herself in, either as a critique of societal demands of women, or her walking into the room of her crush naked by accident. While Agathe plays things off for laughs more often than not, there’s a pain that can be felt from each awkward chuckle she lets out. Piani shows Agathe settling into a different form with her time at the retreat as she gains confidence within her writing and herself.
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life gives a cozy familiar feeling while exploring love through the life of Agathe, mainly due to the performance from its lead. Rutherford’s brilliant portrayal of Agathe, even in slapstick moments, is utterly convincing. She doesn’t shy away from physical humor, showing her dedication to the role. Her character is a plain Jane, making her easy to see yourself in but also admire through the personal journey she goes on. The best moments from Rutherford are when she’s letting her character’s intelligence shine through quick-witted comebacks, paired perfectly with Piani’s superb writing. They show a woman that wears her insecurities on her sleeve but has enough confidence to stick up for herself when it’s needed.
There are plenty of tropes within Jane Austen Wrecked My Life that Piani is playing with, some directly coming from Austen’s work and thoughts. Within the relationship between Agathe and Felix, there’s an inkling of attraction; they both have different ways of finding love, with Felix relying on dating apps that Agathe despises. A genuine connection is felt between them with their shared interests, but there also feels like a vital romantic connection isn’t there, and that they are only attracted to one another because they have no other options. Their relationship reflects Austen’s thoughts on friendship being great sources of happiness, but also disappointment. Piani subverts expectations with the romance, letting Agathe flourish in her work rather than making a choice of partner be the focal point of the film. Marriage is not at the height of Agathe’s life; rather, finding purpose through her writing first before romance.
Cinematographer Pierre Mazoyer brings a warmth to the film through his work that pulls the fantasy of Austen’s work to life through the picturesque French countryside of the writing workshop. Who wouldn’t want to fall in love with their own work, and potentially a dreamy man, with a background of lush greenery and a lavishly decorated manor away from it all? Mazoyer captures the yearning between characters with his framing, making sure that although Agathe might not see Oliver secretly yearning for her, the audience does. There are many scenes that stand out to display Mazoyer’s work, but the best comes from Agathe sitting in a windowed nook desperately trying to finish her work with a yellow glow from the sun enveloping the room. The film’s combination of radiant visuals and inspiring storytelling will have audiences reflecting on their own fantastical dreams.
Overall, Piani takes a spin on Austen’s work that is refreshing with its use of romance, and charming with its humor. Agathe is a character that is easy to root for with her relatable relationship woes and her struggle to hone her talents. Jane Austen Wrecked My Life sweeps us off our feet and encourages us not to settle for anything less than what we deserve, reminding us that love and personal growth go hand in hand.
