The 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion made me so furious that I almost found the courage to become a video essayist on YouTube. Persuasion is my favourite Austen novel and doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as Emma or Pride and Prejudice, both of which have been adapted flawlessly. So, I’ve compiled a few stellar adaptations to simultaneously heal my wounds from witnessing Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot refer to her past lover as an “ex”, and provide you with some films and TV series recommendations worth your time.
Bones and All (2022)
Originally a young adult novel written by Camille DeAngelis, Bones and All follows Maren, a young woman with a craving for human flesh, as she embarks on a road trip to find her mother. Along the way, she meets Lee, another outcast with the same hunger and they bond while grappling with their dark urges. Although the book is written relatively well, incorporating memorable dialogue and imagery, in his adaptation, Luca Guadagnino simply amplifies the beauty of two lost souls finding solace in one another, fortifying the notion that this isn’t about cannibalism at all, but something deeper. Paired with Guadagnino’s signature focus on sensuality, DeAngelis’ novel truly comes alive on screen.
Burning (2018)
Based on Haruki Murakami’s short story titled Barn Burning, Lee Chang Dong’s adaptation Burning follows deliveryman Jong-su, who becomes suspicious of his friend Hae-mi’s wealthy boyfriend, Ben, after learning about his eerie hobby of burning greenhouses. While Murakami’s story possesses a considerable amount of literary merit, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the cinematography in Burning, places it in a league of its own. Steven Yeun’s performance as Jong-su is widely held as the standard for subtle acting, as he expresses and articulates a plethora of emotions through the slightest movements. Criminally underrated, this Korean psychological thriller is the kind of movie that makes a home in the back of your mind.
Normal People (2020)
One of those rare adaptations that are just as good as the book, Normal People perfectly captures the essence of Sally Rooney’s writing and characters. Likely since Rooney herself wrote the script for the series, each episode translates the pages from the book to the screen seamlessly. Spanning four years of Marianne and Connell’s relationship, Rooney explores the various manifestations of human connection and the factors that transform and even fracture such bonds. Each episode includes achingly beautiful classical tracks composed by Stephen Rennicks, mirroring the tumultuous emotional journey the protagonists confront both within and outside of their love for one another.
My Brilliant Friend (2018-2024)
Once again, an adaptation that is on par with its original source, My Brilliant Friend is an Italian TV series based on the Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante. It’s evident that the directors of each season possess respect and reverence for the books, as their interpretations successfully highlight important character dynamics and turning points. The story traces Lenu and Lila from childhood through adulthood, as they struggle to build their lives within the oppressive and violent culture of their hometown, Naples. The adaptation stands as a critically acclaimed piece of art on its own, while also honouring Ferrante’s masterful craft in storytelling.
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