I was expecting a romantic comedy when I went to see Jane Austen Wrecked My Life but I wasn’t expecting such a funny and endearing film. While it does have romance and comedy, it is unexpectedly human and honest with performances that are real and nuanced with a beautiful ending. 

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a French romantic comedy film written and directed by Laura Piani in her feature length debut. In the movie, Agathe (Camille Rutherford) is a hopelessly clumsy yet charming young woman who works in the famous Shakespeare & Co. Bookshop in Paris. She dreams of being a writer and being in love akin to her favorite author Jane Austen’s books but has writer’s block and has been entirely unsuccessful in love. When her best friend Felix (Pablo Pauly) gets her invited to the Jane Austen Residency in England, she almost doesn’t go, fears weighing her down but her sister convinces her to go. Once there, Agathe meets the great-great-great-nephew of Jane Austen, Oliver (Charlie Anson). Caught in a romantic triangle and still struggling to write, Agathe must find a way to let go of her insecurities and discover what she truly wants for herself in order to achieve her romantic and professional dreams. 

  I found that one of the ways this film is successful for me is the way you connect with the characters. As a writer, I found Agathe resonated with me, especially the inability to write. Most writers have those times and have doubts about whether they really are good. For non-writers, they will connect with her awkwardness and her fears. The film is excellent at portraying how much Agathe dreams of her future but also how much her doubts and fears cause her to hesitate. Most people will find that easy to relate to.

The other interesting element in the movie is the use of English and French. Of course, since Agathe is French, you expect that language to be used but the film, being about a residency in England, uses English for about half the film. I loved the balance created between the two languages, with humor infused in both. That balance allows for a film that is direct yet has nuanced details and humanity. In particular, I like the literary references and the debate over what is important in writing, the story or the message of the author. The film also summarizes just why Jane Austen’s writing was important in her time and still resonates with women. 

The film is drenched in comedic moments. Agathe has many moments where she is awkward or manages to make a mess of something which creates hilarious situations. I especially love her wandering in the woods and finding llamas, including her reaction to them. Her voice to herself when things aren’t going well is also funny. The dialogue between her and Felix is comical, especially when she critiques his dating habits. I especially love when she discovers Oliver also speaks French when the pair are stuck on the side of the road because the car broke down. These moments add up. 

The romantic moments are equally well balanced, never overshadowing the comedy. Agathe juggles feelings for Felix with an intense connection with Oliver. Both men are endearing and passionate. I love the way the pair collide during Agathe’s time at the residency and how she struggles with how she truly feels for both. Even better, I love that her journey is about herself as much as either man and she must figure out what she wants on her own, without the rescue of a man to save her. It is a truly feminist film in that manner.

The performances are endearing and impactful. Along with the writing, the performances are strong in the movie. Camille Rutherford is awkward, messy, and very human in her portrayal of Agathe. She also infuses warmth and caring into her scenes, especially with Oliver’s father, Todd who is struggling with dementia. Her performance is lovely, showing a character with flaws but also strength and growth. Pablo Pauly as Felix is hilarious and vivid, with a strong chemistry with Camille Rutherford that enhances that the characters have been friends for years. They certainly resonate with that warmth on screen. Charlie Anson as Oliver has an equally strong chemistry with Camille, with moments that will definitely raise your blood pressure. Their performances together are intense and human. Liz Crowther as Beth, Oliver’s mother and Alan Fairbairn as Toddy are also incredibly skilled with vibrant performances. 

The film is beautifully written and performed. It does have some traditional romantic moments that end up bringing the element of predictability to some parts of the movie. But it escapes that with some surprising scenes and allows Agathe to create her own path, to not lean on the romantic lead as the hero and ultimately that makes the ending even more delightful. 

If you like films that highlight Jane Austen or films that are witty and romantic, this is the win of the year. It has characters that are very human and flawed, yet are passionate and endearing, with intense passion but also warm, loving moments of connection. As I said, as a writer, I truly connected with Agathe, especially in the scenes where she struggles with writing. I think others will too, especially anyone creative. The film is endearing, funny, charismatic, human, and beautiful. 

Rating: 4.5 cigarettes out of 5. 

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