Forget Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice – you can watch the best adaptation for free
This underrated gem is a must-watch for Austen lovers. And it is totally free to stream.
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Previous Page Next PageWhat’s better than the fiery romance between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy? One where they are killing zombies, of course.
Last week, Netflix announced the star-studded cast of Dolly Alderton’s new Pride and Prejudice adaptation with Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden as our lead Austen-era lovers and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennett.
The streaming service has promised a ‘faithful’ take on the timeless love story that has captured readers’ hearts for centuries.
And it follows in the footsteps of some of the most beloved reimaginings on screen from Keira Knightley’s 2005 movie (featuring the famed hand flex) to Colin Firth ascending out of the water in BBC’s 1995 series which inspired an entire aesthetic movement (see Jonathan Bailey in Bridgerton).
There are, of course, some more unconventional adaptations whether watching Bridget Jones’ plight to find love (with Colin Firth as… you guessed it… Darcy), the Bollywood romp Bride and Prejudice or John Green’s YouTube video series, The Lizzie Bennett Diaries.
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As a devoted Pride and Prejudice stan I have, of course, watched pretty much any and all remakes under the sun and there’s one that is woefully underrated.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is one of the most invigorating adaptations of the beloved novel (Picture: Jay Maidment/Lionsgate/Cross Creek/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)The 2016 comedy-horror, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is a tongue-in-cheek, subversive retelling based on the 2009 novel of the same name that just keeps on giving.
Ignore the naysayers, I’ll defend this movie to my dying breath (and beyond).
‘It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains,’ – Lily James as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
It’s a hysterical opening to this action-packed romp filled with witty one-line delivery that will have shock the laughter out of you (‘Zombies or no zombies, all women must think of marriage Lizzie,’ someone solemnly announces at one point.)
The premise is what it says on the tin.
In 19th-century England, the Bennett sisters must ‘juggle romance and family drama’ as they protect their homes from the army of zombies on their doorstep.
It’s endearingly gruesome which is half the charm (Picture: Jay Maidment/Screen Gems, Sony via AP) It has all the joys of a swooning period romance – with a helping of zombie brains (Picture:Screen Gems / Jay Maidment)This bonkers remake imagines the Bennett sisters as highly-trained warriors who are navigating the art of war…. and the art of love in Austen’s England.
And killing the flesh-eating parasites is simply an inconvenient pastime in between high society courting. You will be thoroughly delighted (and tickled) by how well these two seemingly oxymoronic themes merge together.
We still have the longing gazes, heartfelt declarations of love, and period-typical scandal – with a side of undead slaughter.
After all, there’s nothing sexier than literal life-and-death stakes to heighten one of the most iconic romances in literary history.
The fast-paced, strangely fitting plot, is bolstered by a standout cast featuring Douglas Booth as Mr Bingley, Sally Phillips as Mrs Bennett and British actor Sam Riley as Mr Darcy.
It’s completely bonkers but totally worth the watch (Picture: Lionsgate)And for those who love Doctor Who star Matt Smith, your life is incomplete without seeing his turn as the woeful Mr Collins in what is a truly chaotic performance showcasing his comedic skill.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s naturally forthright nature is only heightened by her killing abilities, something Darcy frequently notes whenever he has the joy of watching our heroine fight.
‘Post-apocalyptic period drama’ is already a sparsely populated subgenre so regardless of whether this is your cup of tea, there’s no denying that Pride and Prejudice and Zombies offers a unique take on this widely-known story.
If anything, it’s the perfect movie to gather the girls for on a Saturday night with a bottle of wine and some popcorn. And you’re in luck because it’s totally free to stream so there are no excuses.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is available to watch on Tubi now
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