Skip to main content

Check out this great romantic drama before it leaves Netflix next week

In spite of the many wonderful movie adaptations that have come out of her work, Jane Austen is still viewed, at least in certain circles, as old-fashioned or boring in the same way that many authors from the 19th century are. If you ever find yourself harboring the delusion that Austen’s work isn’t interesting, though, all you really need to do is watch Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

Even though it’s a faithful adaptation of its source material, the movie springs to life almost immediately and uses the conventions of its story to its advantage. Unfortunately, if you want to check the movie out on Netflix, you only have until the end of October. Here are three reasons you should take the time to do exactly that.

Recommended Videos

The material never feels dull or uninteresting

Pride & Prejudice (2005) Official Trailer

In spite of its setting (a series of English estates) and its subject matter (a love story between two people who are incapable of expressing their feelings to one another) Wright’s Pride & Prejudice always feels filled with life.

The central romance, between a young woman discovering the world and a man who tries his best to protect his friends, is a comedy of errors and missed connection, but what makes the movie work is the way you feel yourself swooning right alongside the main characters as they slowly move toward one another.

Pride & Prejudice understands how to make the most of its sexual tension

Matthew McFadyen and Kiera Knightley in 'Pride & Prejudice.'
Universal Pictures

There are plenty of moving pieces to the story of Pride & Prejudice, but at the heart of it is the budding relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. As played by Atonement‘s Kiera Knightley and Succession‘s Matthew Macfadyen, respectively, this relationship is almost completely about scintillating possibility.

There’s one moment, early on in the film, when Darcy touches Elizabeth’s hand to help her into a carriage, and then flexes and clenches it, as if he’s trying to shake the feeling of her off of him. It’s a moment that perfectly illustrates how masterfully Wright is able to showcase the chemistry between these two characters, even as their relationship remains remarkably chaste.

It’s the opposite of stuffy

The cast of 'Pride & Prejudice.'
Universal Pictures

If you haven’t already been convinced that a period drama might be worth your time, perhaps the best thing about Pride & Prejudice, and about all Austen adaptations when they’re well done, is that they are not at all stuffy or overly mannered in the way you might expect a period piece to be. Instead, this movie is brimming with life, quirk, and humor.

Macfadyen’s Darcy may be a bit of a stick in the mud, but Elizabeth’s entire family is filled with totally unique, distinct characters who all seem like real people. They may have lived in a time when manners meant everything, but that doesn’t mean these people don’t have real souls.

Pride & Prejudice is streaming on Netflix until November 1.

Joe Allen
Joe Allen is a freelance writer at Digital Trends, where he covers Movies and TV. He frequently writes streaming…
5 great Netflix shows that are perfect to watch in the summer
A man lying on the ground growling with lit eyes in Supacell on Netflix.

During the summer months, you’re probably spending most of your time enjoying the lovely weather outside. Maybe you have a vacation or two planned. But there are still times when you’ll want to relax with a good TV show, like weekday nights  after a long day at work or on the plane traveling to your destination. Or maybe it’s during your commutes to and from work, or while relaxing on the back deck with your outdoor TV.

Wherever and whenever you plan to watch, we have rounded up five great Netflix shows that are perfect to watch in the summer. Most of them are lighter, fluffier options that allow you to relax your mind while watching. But there are a couple intense options if you want something more thought-provoking to spark conversation while entertaining friends.
Supacell (2024)
Supacell | Official Trailer | Netflix

Read more
3 great Netflix dramas to watch on the 4th of July
MoneyBall

It's fitting, given that Netflix is America's favorite streaming app, that Netflix is also a quintessentially American story. The at-home DVD rental company has grown to become an entertainment behemoth, and it's one of the best places to go for movies of all kinds.

If you're looking to celebrate Independence Day, Netflix is the perfect place to go for some great dramas. If that's the move you make, then we've pulled out three dramas that will keep you entertained in wildly different ways. Whatever you're looking for to celebrate the holiday, you can rest assured knowing that we've got you covered. These are three great dramas to check out this Independence Day on the streaming service.
Mank (2020)
MANK | Official Trailer | Netflix

Read more
5 great Netflix shows to watch on the 4th of July
Two soldiers in the midst of war in Band of Brothers.

Thanks to its position as the first widely used streaming service, Netflix is often the first place that people go when they’re looking for something to watch. This Fourth of July, some of those viewers are likely going to be looking for something that represents America.
As anyone who has ever lived in America knows, though, this country is not just one thing. Because of that, we’ve pulled together a lineup of shows that are perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July, even if they don’t have a ton in common with one another. These are the best shows to watch on Netflix to celebrate the July Fourth holiday.

All American (2018-)
ALL AMERICAN Official Trailer (HD) The CW Drama Series

Read more