Modern Persuasion (2020) User Reviews (26)

Probably the worst Alicia Witt movie I've ever seen

[mikerjones · 5/10 · 2 October 2022]

I don't care much for literature, Jane Austen in particular. So I wasn't about to do any comparisons. However, I do care for comedies and this one was not very funny. Liza Lapira is very capable of stealing a scene and she tried here, but even she couldn't do much with the dialogue. Mark Moses had the best scenes with Alicia Witt and others. He probably came off the best of everyone. They needed to get someone, anyone other than Shane McRae as the male lead. The best I can say is his heart does not appear to have been in it. I will say the cat was great.

I love Alicia Witt. I know she can act and do comedy very well. This was not her best effort. She does not appear to perk up until the very last scene. And then she does her usual great job of kissing the guy. But unfortunately that did not make up for the previous 90 minutes. If I didn't like her so much I would've turned it off before the first half hour was over.

Fun Austen Adaptation

[mdc_geo · 6/10 · 14 August 2022]

This is a fun movie to watch while folding laundry or such. The acting is not stellar, and there is no chemistry between the leads, as others have mentioned. The dialogue is often stilted. However, the main plot elements of Austen's novel are there and there is enough fun to make this movie enjoyable more than the average Hallmark film.

Interesting mix

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 20 January 2024]

Nominally based on a Jane Austin novel from well over a century ago yet much of the dialog was Gen Z slang, or #Hashtag or something. Bleeper instead of Twitter (before X). But it wasn't all that slang. Grayson claimed not to understand any of it and spoke in his own style. Wren and Owen often quoted Austen. All to say, the dialogue kept me alert. The lifestyles of the characters followed much the same lines as their dialogue generally leaning toward the social media dominated society.

This isn't the cliche laden rom/com, but it is supposed to be a rom/com. That too kept me alert because couples seemed to be hooking up right and left and then sometimes unhooking, but seemingly not the obvious lead couple of Own and Wren. I didn't think Shane McRae had chemistry with Alicia Witt.

I've long been a fan of Witt, but she hasn't been as active acting since this movie as she was before it. She has been concentrating on her music. Her character here was not unusual for her, but I think her performance was not her best and she got lost a little in the crowded field here despite being the headliner.

Oddly Not Fulfilling

[weesa729 · 2/10 · 24 December 2020]

I love Jane Austen, as in read the books, seen the movies, and so on. As much as I wanted to like this, there was no flow to it, this film seemed to stumble along rather than flow. I am not sure that the Owen character was miscast as I felt zero connection with him as a human being, and even less between him and other characters. This could have been beautifully sad, funny and uplifting, but it is not. That makes me sad. If you want to honor Jane Austen's writing and a particular book, please do it with more life and more joy than this. I would say, if you love Jane Austen, watch it, but know that it is not what you are hoping for.

superficial and whiny - not charming Austen

[viafilm · 2/10 · 27 December 2020]

What a disappointment. Had high hopes especially with Alicia Witt and Bebe Neuwirth.

But though based on the Austen novel, this movie lacks the integrity, intelligence and charm of Austen. Also worth noting that Persuasion is more serious than Austen's other work.

In its modern interpretation, the movie essentially celebrates consumerism, lack of ethics at work, rampant EEO violations at work, work conflict of interest, snarky objectification etc. Basically the Sex and the City version of Austen.

But even as a standard rom-com without the Austen reference, the whiny characters result in a charmless movie.

Waste of time

[everything_changes-423-355263 · 3/10 · 5 August 2021]

Boring, bad acting, pointless dialogues. 35 minutes in and it couldn't make me crack a smile, let alone crack up with laughter. Just don't waste your time with it. This is not a comedy, it's the tragedy of acting.

a try

[Kirpianuscus · 27 June 2021]

First, I loved it. Obvious, it is far to be a real adaptation of Jane Austen novel. But it seems a sort of eccentric try to seduce. Seductive for spices from millenialls, references to music and cliches. But, after first good parts, a sort of vicious circle, crazy, vulgar, chaotic is present. The fresh air of beginning becomes unrealistic story, too kitsch and less moral. Good points, the cat Lul and Bebe Neuwirth. So, nice if you are not have high expectations about it.

It's fun but Hate the Ending

[elvirammomo · 7/10 · 27 December 2022]

Not the worst?? I really wanted to like this, I think Alicia Witt is a "Katherine Heigl at the height of her romcom era aka 27 Dresses" type of actress. I know I'll always be getting a good time with her and this movie did deliver in that way. Honestly this would have been a 10/10 for me (in the world of Hallmark romcoms) if the male lead was one of the other potential romantic leads. The guy she ends up with is not who I wanted and I didn't like him at all. No chemistry with ANYONE! So that part was hard to watch along with all the "internet talk" from the younger staff and just their general vibes.

On FLEEK

[bettinahooper · 3/10 · 22 January 2021]

The 'modern day' working girl patter of this script kept me wondering how long this movie been gathering dust in a can on the shelf of some Toronto warehouse

The performances are pretty good but the script and direction, which somehow manage to make the Austen plot seem plodding, have all the hallmarks of a five year old Canadian Lifetime movie. I can't believe I paid to rent this.

Hallmark meets Jane Austen and not in a good way

[sxcb-tkat · 2/10 · 20 June 2021]

Honestly, I don't usually write reviews but this deserved one. Wow! What was that?! Listen, I am a sucker for Rom Coms and Jane Austen adaptations but this was something else. I don't even know what was worse from everyone talking in hashtags to the exaggerated British accent to the atrocious dancing in the club. Also there was zero chemistry between the two leads. Yeah this should have never seen the light of day.

Fun update to Austen

[thejsk · 8/10 · 23 January 2021]

I confess that I love everything about Persuasion. It is my favorite Austen novel. This is definitely more rom-com than Austen could ever have imagined and the characters are not particularly faithful to the novel. However, the central story is there. The character updates to the pair of Musgrove sisters (Gen Y-Z marketing team), lovelorn Benik, and Mary Elliott (mouthy, goodhearted, lesbian... my fav update) are successful. Bebe Neuwirth is brilliant as always. Alicia Witt and Shane McRae have nice chemistry as the central romantic pair. And the supporting characters are fun though not as fully developed as I would have liked. This adaptation is more in the vein of Clueless. While I don't think the story of Persuasion lends itself to comedy, I enjoyed it very much.

Oh my God, Jane Austen is turning in her grave

[ginaidajimenez · 1/10 · 15 September 2021]

There's very little that's good about this movie, but the worst are the protagonists. No chemistry, no charm, nothing. The actress playing the lead honestly made me cringe. Even teenagers in school plays can act better. She seemed plastic, childish, clumsy (that way of dancing and walking) and just generally bad. Not a sign of the strong lead that Jane Austen wrote. Don't lose two hours of your time watching.

An insult to Austen

[jagfannn · 1/10 · 19 December 2020]

Clearly the idea in "Modern" Persuasion is to replace the cast with vacuous degenerates and expect it to be successful. The contrast only serves as a sad commentary on modern society.

Cringey...so cringey

[jean-57100 · 1/10 · 1 August 2022]

I did have semi-high expectations for this movie and was so disappointed. I didn't even finish it. I don't know if they wanted to characters to be relatable or whatever, but the jokes and sexual innuendos were cringey. They weren't needed at all. All in all, this movie, in my opinion, has no depth.

Pretty poor

[evedicksonmua · 3/10 · 9 September 2021]

I was hoping this would be a nice little rom com to pass an hour or so.. based on Jane Austen with a decent cast it should have been good... unfortunately not.. as with so many films currently, most of the focus seems to have been on WOKE box ticking rather than the actual storyline, characters or dialogue.

Not A Masterpiece but...

[musicalfreakgurl · 20 December 2020]

Since I haven't read that Austen book, I can't comment on how closely related is to the source material. But I will say aside from the usual conflicts that you'd expect from a Hallmarkesque movie. It is a whole convoluted mess, but an enjoyable, laughable convoluted mess.

The characters themselves definitely represent the current masses due to modern resources. But that doesn't distract from the undertones of how social media can shape and form our lives, as well as how family can be such an influence on your own views as a individual.

Wren, the heroine of the movie was definitely on the merry-go-round of life circling three men, having a connection with all three of them.

But who to choose?

The ex, the newbie, or the set-up?

Definitely give it a shot but while I say this, it doesn't mean this is a masterpiece. It's not but it is quite funny at times.

Bad is the only word that fits!!!

[ngbqpnjr · 2/10 · 10 July 2023]

I have never reviewed a movie IN MY LIFE, but just had to. This movie was bad. The acting was so bad, the storyline wasn't what it could have been, the characters seemed disconnected.... it was boring! The main character was cold, dull, and impossible to empathize with or relate to in any way. I love the book, and was nothing but disappointed this modernized story. Sad! This could have been done so much better, and deserved to be. Poor Jane Austen would be so sad to see her name attached to this story. Don't bother watching this, unless you're into really bad movies.... In that case, enjoy!!!!!

Why?

[suttonreid · 1/10 · 9 April 2024]

Why do people abscond with a title and credit an author to a film that only has one character with the same name as a main character in the novel? Specifically, Wentworth.

Of course, this is far from the only attempt to cash in on someone else's name and work, while simultaneously expressing disdain for them.

I can't say whether I'd like this movie or not nor do I think it likely that I'll watch it. It was obviously made for a demographic that I am not part of. Suffice it to say that if Persuasion were to be modernized, this would not be it.

Start by reading the novel. If you find you don't like the novel, fine. Move on with your life.

If you like the novel, consider watching all of the adaptations. None of them are perfect, but most true adaptations are quite satisfying and will temporarily transport you to another reality. Mission accomplished.

And yes. If Jane Austen's work formed the basis of a religion, I might be a zealot.

#Adorable...

[RosanaBotafogo · 8/10 · 3 September 2022]

Is there anything better than enjoying the mornings on vacation watching a light, fun and very tasty romantic comedy, under the covers on a cold day, what better thing than enjoying the mornings on vacation watching a light, fun and very tasty romantic comedy, under covered on a cold little day... Cute, over time, she finds the courage and strength to rebuild not only her company, but her love life as well. #perfect so cute, so cute, so cliche and so touching that I even cried, adorable...... #emocionei #exciting Highlight for the characters and that dry humor that I really love... #Adorable...

Awful

[judyharl · 3/10 · 27 July 2022]

This movie should have never been made awful all the acting and story is awful Alicia Witt is such a terrible actress why do they keep casting her? Tv must be desperate for movies.

Cutesy is as cutesy does

[evakent · 5/10 · 23 October 2022]

Way too pat and predictable to be anything like Austen. Short on charm, as well. Austen does 21st century New York? Not here.

So working women and CEOs affect stilettos and super tight dresses these days? Very disappointing. And they hook up with strangers at the drop of a hat, so to speak? Also disappointing.

I was more interested in the situation of the cat. That might have been worth exploring in more detail.

The receptionist, Denise, was the only one who came off as an actual and believable working woman, with some chill.

I still like the idea of Austen translated into contemporary digs. Maybe someone else can attempt it.

Ignore The Haters

[jmariegvs · 8/10 · 1 May 2021]

Forget this is Jane Austen & see this movie on its own. The script is witty with fast paced one liners. The negative reviews are undoubtedly from those who couldn't keep up with the sophisticated humor or expected strict adherence to Austen. The characters are wickedly crafted within the first few minutes. The only nod to Austen is the story concept. If people reviewed the movie on its own merit much would be said about the dialogue, character building & genuine fun. It's a shame such a unique, entertaining, romantic comedy suffers poor reviews simply because of a book it's loosely based on.

Attracting the wrong viewers with the title!

[ContraryFairy · 10/10 · 17 September 2022]

My guilty pleasure in a world full of polarization and hardship and amongst TV shows that seem to use sexual violence as a scene filler when they get bored, is a good dumb Hallmark-esque movie - light, breezy, idealistic, predictable, very mild peril. I stumbled upon this on a streaming service because I noticed Alicia Witt (an absolute stalwart of these type of films, along with Candace Cameron Bure) and popped it on immediately.

I think this film has hamstrung itself by using the Jane Austen title - it is clearly attracting viewers who are expecting something very different from what the Hallmark formula would ever be able to provide - there's a particular pace to the scenes and level of simplicity (no shade, that I love!) to the acting and characters, and I was DELIGHTED to see Bebe Neuworth and Liza Lapira having fun in the low stress, 87 minute piece of TV movie cotton candy.

Please skip it if you're hoping for a faithful reboot, think of this more as a Clueless to an Emma (including idiosyncratic contemporary ways of speaking that will grate on some viewers that don't seem to realise a) language evolves and b) each generation has pushed the boundaries on what the previous generation found to be acceptable) but with a much much lower budget and Hallmark romcom standard production - which is that's your thing (and it clearly is a lot of people's go to comfort TV because even as someone without any cable services in the UK I can always find a new one to watch somewhere) this is a fantastic example of the genre, which some bigger hitter sitcom/dramedy actors on the cast than usual.

Overall, I love it, and I might even watch it again before I switch to Christmas themed Hallmark/Lifetime films after Halloween.

Delightful romcom

[gennie-32442 · 9/10 · 4 September 2022]

Wonderful contemporary version of Persuasion. The story is very interesting. Although it borrows a lot of elements from the original Persuasion, it has many novel plot twists. The actors are excellent and very funny. The idea is that true love doesn't fade easily and if someone wants to be with their loved one, they will make it clear. Sometimes it's safer to play games and not reveal your true feelings but only being truthful wins in love. Another idea is that in matters of personal decisions and love, it is best to listen to your heart and disregard the advice of parents, relatives and friends, if you would like to be happy. Lastly, that true love always wins. It's great to work with friendly and supportive colleagues who can even become your friends.

I liked that the movie is set in New York city and the actors have nice outfits.

Highly underappreciated

[humormeaj · 8/10 · 24 December 2020]

I haven't read the book, and I acknowledge that the leads could have had better chemistry (it wasn't zero as some have claimed), but this is one of the best romantic comedies that I have watched in ages. Sure, it didn't have a high budget, but unlike most low budget attempts, this one had good directing, talented actors, and a fantastic script. It didn't have money, so it used what it did have to wonderful effect. It hit all the right beats at all the right moments. I'm not claiming that any of the actors should get academy awards, but each one pulled off its character perfectly. The supporting roles start out as mild caricatures, but as the movie progresses they all get enough depth to be touching. Your typical Oscar winning film doesn't manage even half as much bang per buck as this movie got on its shoestring budget. If you are searching for a masterpiece, then move on. But if you're looking for good romantic comedies that don't suck, give this a try. It fights well above its weight class and is terribly underrated. I would gladly choose it ahead of at least 90% of the romantic comedies put out each year that probably have 10 times its budget.