The Couple Who Slay Zombies Together, Remain Hombres Forever

This probably isn't what Jane Austen envisioned the Bennet sisters to look like when she sat down to write Pride and Prejudice over two centuries ago. Nonetheless, this modern day semi-romantic yet synthetically comical-action-horror adaptation provides viewers with the beloved story of Elizabeth and Darcy. In February of 2016, Burr Steers wrote and directed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. When you think about it, people love Pride and Prejudice as much as those who can get enough of their zombie fix, but was putting these two together the hottest thing since sliced bread? The ratings speak for themselves, this adaptation seemed to be a hit or miss among critics for various reasons. While the story captures many of the popular scenes of the classic novel, the movie ultimately revolves around the zombie epidemic that threatens to outnumber the world.

 Set in 19th century England, Mr.Darcy is tasked with the slaying of a freshly bitten human wondering amongst company, glossed over. The introduction of the Bennets follows shortly after. Mrs.Bennet excitedly breaks the news about the new guy next door to her family as they all surround her, cleaning their, guns, swords and gouges. This isn't a typical representation of the women during this time. 

With news of the zombie outbreak, going to the ball requires complete protection against any unexpected attacks. Later that night Darcy offends Lizzy to no surprise, only in this version we see Elizabeth actively eavesdropping. Moving from her seating at the table, Elizabeth stays behind a wall long enough to feel the impact of his words cut deep into her pride.

I'm not even sure if this amount of steam was comprehensible in 19th-century romance or necessary. What is described as a non-physical altercation in the classical proposal scene has turned into a realm of destruction as weapons are drawn and bodies ar wrestled to the floor. You can feel the sexual tension seeping from the screen. 

         There were also several sweep kicks administered by both parties that I couldn't resist adding in. It's hard to grasp without seeing it, and even harder once seen.   

The modernization of this adaptation allows for the female voice to not only be heard but seen through the heroic actions of undead combat. The freedom present in these women warriors allows for the narrative to move forward. Throughout the movie Lizzy saves, Darcy, Bingley and possibly kills Lady Catherine's (who happens to be the deadliest swordswoman in all of Great Britain), bodyguard. To be a modern woman of 19th-century England for Elizabeth could have resulting in her death, the death of her lover Mr.Darcy and the pain of her sister mourning Mr.Bennet. One of Lizzy sisters maks a comment about her never finding a man who will settle down with a sword swinger. Elizabeth notes that the right man would never ask her to give up such an intimate part of her life. Elizabeth remains progressive in her view femininity to be expressed as she desires but that notion is quite stronger in this adaptation as we see on multiple occasions. For instance, while Lizzy watches everyone play cards, Miss Darcy implies that her Japanese training is far superior to that of Lizzy's Chinese training. Elizabeth asks her if she wants to come to find out, of course, Miss. Darcy wants no smoke. 

In order to keep up with the zombie elements of the movie, there are moments that a pride and prejudice viewer may miss causing them to feel short of their all too familiar take on Jane Austen's work. With a release date of 2016, it seems fitting to empower women in a way their genre otherwise abandons or forbids.