Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth reunite after years apart. They embrace, kiss, and start a new life together.
The 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” has sparked a lot of conversations. Directed by Carrie Cracknell and starring Dakota Johnson, the film has received mixed reviews. Let’s dive into the ending and see how it compares to the original novel.
Narrative Resolution
The film ends with Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth reuniting after years of separation. The climax revolves around Anne finding a heartfelt letter from Wentworth. This letter is a key moment in both the novel and the film. The letter, filled with romantic intensity, is taken directly from Austen’s text. Anne reads it and realizes Wentworth still loves her. She rushes to find him. They meet on the street, embrace, and kiss. This moment signifies their reconciliation and mutual commitment.
The final scenes show Anne and Wentworth at a cliff by the sea. This location bookends the film. They are shown married, with Anne wearing a ring. Wentworth teaches Anne navigation at sea. This imagery symbolizes their partnership and shared future. It suggests a harmonious and enduring relationship (Netflix Life).
Thematic Elements
Love and Choice
“Persuasion” explores different forms of love and the choices people make about relationships. The film’s ending highlights this by showing various characters’ romantic resolutions. Anne’s voice-over during the closing montage reflects on the diverse experiences of love. Some marry for status, some for love, and some choose to remain single. This narrative choice underscores that love is subjective and personal. No one should dictate how others experience it (Ready Steady Cut).
Miscommunication and Misunderstanding
Miscommunication and misunderstanding are recurring motifs in Austen’s works, including “Persuasion”. Throughout the film, Anne believes Wentworth is set to marry Louisa Musgrove. This misconception creates tension and uncertainty. The resolution of this misunderstanding in the final scenes highlights the importance of clarity and honesty in romantic relationships (Ready Steady Cut).
Comparison to Austen’s Novel
The film’s ending stays true to Austen’s original narrative. It uses Wentworth’s letter and the ultimate reconciliation between Anne and Wentworth. However, the adaptation introduces modern elements and anachronistic dialogue. This has been a point of contention among critics and audiences.
Modernization and Reception
The film incorporates contemporary phrases and a more casual tone. Some viewers found this jarring and inconsistent with the period setting. For instance, Anne’s direct addresses to the camera and modern expressions like “single and thriving” have been criticized. Critics argue these elements undermine the story’s historical authenticity (Vox). Despite these criticisms, the film aims to make Austen’s themes accessible to a modern audience. It emphasizes the timeless nature of her insights into love and society.
Critical Reception
The critical reception of “Persuasion” (2022) has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 37% rating. Metacritic scores it at 43, indicating generally unfavorable reviews (Reddit). Critics have praised Dakota Johnson’s performance as Anne Elliot. They note her ability to convey the character’s emotional depth and resilience. However, the portrayal of Captain Wentworth by Cosmo Jarvis has been less well-received. Some reviewers find his performance lacking in charisma and emotional weight (Roger Ebert).
Conclusion
The ending of “Persuasion” (2022) stays true to the core of Jane Austen’s novel. It delivers a satisfying resolution to Anne and Wentworth’s love story. The film’s exploration of love, choice, and miscommunication resonates with contemporary audiences. Despite the mixed reactions to its modernized elements, the adaptation highlights the enduring relevance of Austen’s themes. It navigates the challenges of bringing a classic story to a new generation.
