Whit Stillman
Whit Stillman’s adaption of Jane Austen’s relatively unknown novella, Lady Susan, follows the delightfully scandalous exploits of the recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale). Lady Susan is forced to leave the Manwaring family’s estate in the midst of adulterous allegations, instead taking up residence with her in-laws and their handsome young relative, Reginald DeCourcy (Xavier Samuel), whereby she attempts to marry off her long-suffering daughter and elevate her own social standing in the process. The ensuing events make for one of the most entertaining and joyfully witty Austen adaptations we have yet been treated to on screen.
Janeites unite, because here’s a Jane Austen adaptation that’s not another Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility! Writer/director Whit Stillman delved into Austen’s deep cuts for the epistolary novel Lady Susan, a piece she wrote before her major novels that remained unpublished until after her death. As you can see from the trailer for Love & Friendship, the source material is a bit of a standout from Austen’s other work.