Love & Friendship

Whit Stillman crosses the Atlantic for this irresistible Jane Austen adaptation, following the delicious and devious exploits of Lady Susan.

This adaptation of Austen’s unheralded novella Lady Susan folllows the devious exploits of Susan as she schemes her way through England’s aristocratic circles. Ensconced at her in-laws manor with plans to secure a suitor for her daughter, Susan soon schemes her way into the heart of the handsome Reginald DeCourcy, while ensuring the rich but silly Sir James Martin isn’t left out of the picture.

The doyen of US indie comedy Whit Stillman finds himself utterly at home in the environs of English period fiction, revelling in the wit and artistry of Austen’s dialogue and proving that his stable of New York sophisticates have a clear antecedent in 18th-century high-society. Reuniting with Beckinsale and Chloë Sevigny from The Last Days of Disco, he’s also assembled a fabulous supporting cast rich in colour and gravitas, including Stephen Fry, Jemma Redgrave, Justin Edwards and James Fleet.