Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a charming and visually enchanting film that blends the spirit of Jane Austen with a fresh, modern voice.
At its heart is Agathe (Camille Rutherford), an aspiring romantic novelist working in a small Parisian bookstore while struggling with writer’s block and the pressures of unmet ambition. Her life takes a turn when her best friend and coworker Félix (Pablo Pauly) surprises her with an invitation to a prestigious writer’s residency in the English countryside.
While writer/director Laura Piani doesn’t retell any of Austen’s original works, her film echoes Austen’s timeless themes of identity, romance, and the courage to choose one’s path.”
Once in England, Agathe finds herself immersed in a world straight out of an Austen novel—surrounded by greenery, grand estates, and a group of equally passionate (and competitive) writers. The residency, however, offers her more than just creative inspiration.
A complex and heartfelt love triangle that develops between Agathe, literature professor Oliver (Charlie Anson), and Félix forces Agathe to confront her dreams, desires, and the true nature of love.
While writer/director Laura Piani doesn’t retell any of Austen’s original works, her film echoes Austen’s timeless themes of identity, romance, and the courage to choose one’s path.
The cinematography by Pierre Mazoyer is especially noteworthy—each frame feels lovingly composed, capturing the lush landscapes and intimate, emotionally charged moments that lend the story its Austen-esque depth.
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is not just a story about writing or romance. It’s a reflection of what it means to grow into the person you want to be.
Editor’s Note: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is now playing at The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre.