Review of Love & Friendship (2016) by Spangle — 26 May 2016

Love & Friendship is a truly brilliant film from director Whit Stillman. As whitty, subtle, sharp, and smart, as ever, Stillman expertly brings Jane Austen's work to life in this fantastically funny film.

Outlandish and truly hysterical, Love & Friendship touches on themes such as marriage, love, religion, and, as with all Stillman films, the bourgeoisie. This film really portrays the upper class as being incredibly uppity, insipid, and stupid, in the most hysterical ways possible.

Incredibly well-written, this very large cast of characters are all handled very well during this short 90 minute film with all of their subplots being expertly handled by Stillman's sure hand. Featuring good cinematography and incredible production/costume design, Love & Friendship's look an feel is as lush, extravagant, and gorgeous, as required of a period piece.

In terms of the acting, Kate Beckinsale is a comedic wonder in this film. Completely deadpan with great delivery and timing, Beckinsale sweeps you off your feet with fantastic delivery of Stillman's witty and subtly brilliant dialogue.

Overall, Love & Friendship is a true wonder of a film that will go down as one of the funniest films of 2016.