Agathe (Camille Rutherford, Anatomy of a Fall) is seemingly living the romantic comedy dream. Working in the famous Parisian bookshop “Shakespeare & Co”, she shares an undeniable chemistry with her best friend/co-worker Félix (Pablo Pauly). However, underneath the rosy facade, Agathe is a struggling romance author stuck living with her sister and battling a severe case of writer’s block. Everything changes when Agathe is unexpectedly invited to a prestigious Jane Austen residency in England where she becomes acquainted with the handsome yet headstrong Oliver. Now finding herself in a situation much like the books that inspire her, Agathe faces not only a severe case of writer’s block, but a tantalising love-triangle that Austen herself would be proud of.

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On the surface, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life plays like many romantic comedies. The protagonist is caught up in a decision between two would be suitors. And while that is the scenario that Agathe finds herself in, there is more going on under the surface than mere romance. 

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Plagued by the past, self doubt, and anxiety, Agathe dwells a lot in her own head (brought to life hilariously by a couple of witty fantastical moments) and in the midst of novels and an idealistic view of romance.

 

It’s not social convention that is keeping her from life and from love, it's her own crazily unrealistic expectation of herself that she has to face. With the hints at Pride and Prejudice and other Austen work, it's beautifully balanced, narratively and thematically. An utter treat. 

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A love letter to writing and the beauty of books themselves, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a witty, wise, and romantic film with heart and a heck of a lot to say. One of my favorite films of the year.