A movie with a title like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies should have been a hell of a lot more fun than this one. Instead, it treats its subject matter with utmost seriousness. The only joke is in the title and the occasionally clever play on the text from the original novel, such as "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." This lack of fun is almost the exact same problem 2012's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter suffered from.
The plot follows that of the original novel to a surprising degree. Elizabeth Bennet, one of literature's greatest heroines, is one of 5 sisters in early 19th century England. The family receives some welcome news when a young, and wealthy, Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood. Mrs. Bennet hopes that the new arrival will want to marry one of her daughters. Accompanying Bingley is his friend, Mr. Darcy. While Bingley falls almost immediately in love with Elizabeth's sister Jane, Elizabeth and Darcy take an immediate, but chemistry filled, dislike to one another. Romantic entanglements ensue.
Where the plots diverge is in the fact that a zombie outbreak has overrun the country. The Bennet sisters are trained warriors, as skilled with swords as they are with needlework. The rich of the land lived in barricaded estates and the city of London is surrounded by a moat and a 100 foot high wall to keep the zombies from entering. I feel it's important at this stage to reiterate that this isn't played for laughs. In manners, morals, language, and dress, the characters remain true to the time period, except that the Bennet sisters are ninja trained warriors. As a joke that works, but as a serious action film, it makes little sense. Given the time period either proper young ladies wouldn't be trained as warriors, or the fundamental order of society would be altered much more than it is here.
Visually, the movie looks great. The poor choice of outfits for supposedly warrior women, do allow for a few fight scenes of beautiful young women in flowing dresses, knives strapped to stockings, and most importantly, plenty of heaving bosoms. The production design and outfits look fit for a serious production of a Jane Austen film.
The cast is likewise good. Natalie Portman was originally cast as Elizabeth, but she--perhaps wisely---dropped out, but did remain on as a producer. Lily James is a good replacement. She looks the part and manages the period drama and the action with equal aplomb. The same can be said of Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy. The two of them could easily star in a true adaptation of the original novel. Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith is a scene stealer as the social climbing, sycophantic Parson Collins and provides some much needed comic relief. His obsequious attitude toward the Lady Catherine de Bourgh carries over from the novel, but here she is the preeminent female warrior in the land, played by Lena Headey. Her character is one of the most over-the-top and seems to be one of the few written to be in on the inherent silliness of the presence. It's a pity she wasn't in it more.
This isn't a completely horrible movie. It just needed to lighten up. Both fans of zombie movies and Jane Austen will find some things to enjoy here, although so far it seems to be struggling to find an audience. The novel it is based upon was a New York Times best-seller and spawned a mini genre mash-up craze, while this film barely cracked the top 10 during its opening weekend and is unlikely to influence anyone.
