Warrior Daughters

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (dir. Burr Steers) is a 2016 adaptation of the original novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This film follows the same framework as the original story, with the added twist of zombies. The film’s first line sums up the attitude of the adaptation: “it is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” The film stays true to the source material, often echoing it in dialogue and mannerisms, yet transforms the work into an interesting, highly unique alteration of the original story. The film seems to take some inspiration from the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice in its use of more dramatized scenes and similar dialogue; even some of the filming locations are the same such as Netherfield Park. While zombies may be the largest change in this adaptation, the traditional masculine and feminine gender roles are re-imagined.

Gender, specifically the performative aspect of gender is at the center of the film’s storytelling. The characters are first introduced in the drawing room where they are polishing, sharpening, and cleaning weapons. This contrasts the traditionally feminine scene from the original story. This scene paints the Bennet daughters' warrior abilities as a natural part of them, as innate as drawing, reading, or playing the piano. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is also defined by this warrior aspect. Upon first seeing her, Darcy is not taken with her and describes her as "tolerable." A few short minutes after, Darcy witnesses the Bennet daughters fighting zombies with ease and precision. Darcy then explains how beautiful and magical he finds Elizabeth, but it is not until after he sees her prowess as a warrior. On multiple occasions, Elizabeth and Jane save Darcy and Bingley, neither character is angry or put-off from being saved by a woman. That is something I really liked about this adaptation. The women's skills seemed so natural in this society and are never challenged. 

Lady Catherine de Bourgh is my favorite

character of the film. Her character saw a complete transformation in this adaption. While still maintaining her role as aristocratic aunt to Darcy, she is instead an amazing warrior woman known throughout England for her accomplishments. She wears more practical clothing, complete with an eye-patch which she wears because of an injury sustained during a zombie attack. I assumed this character would be the same as the source material; for the most part she was until her scene where she confronts Elizabeth. In this scene she fights Elizabeth and instead of storming out angry and frustrated, she tells Elizabeth she is not sure what she respects more her "skill as a warrior or [her] resolve as a woman." Lady Catherine shows Elizabeth great respect and continues it by offering her home as a safe haven for the Bennets during the zombie attack.

This film upsets the original gender roles of Austen's society and creates a unique story. The film does a great job of persuading the audience of the reality of this society and while, at times, the film is quite comical for those familiar with the source material, the film stands strong on its own. I have a new respect for Lady Catherine, her character had a complete redemption in my eyes. This film delivers its message on gender successfully and entertains just as well.