There is a new round of Jane Austen adaptations to watch just about every decade. The timeless stories are recreated with fresh eyes and actors and part of the fun — and pain — for fans is seeing how each one puts their own spin on Austen’s beloved stories.

The 2020s kicked off with a bang with perhaps the most controversial spin on Austen so far — Netflix‘s Persuasion. The modern period drama was a bigger departure from its source text than viewers could stomach. However, it appears that audiences were more forgiving with the Dakota Johnson-helmed feature than critics were.

Persuasion, Austen’s last published novel, is viewed as Austen’s most mature storytelling, which helps explain why audiences were so gobsmacked by Netflix’s rendition. Whilst Persuasion is a love story, the novel is more mature and melancholy than her other works, as it deals with regret, second chances, and a time jump.

The story begins seven years after the broken engagement between Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth. Anne, as the daughter of a baronet, was persuaded to end the betrothal due to Wentworth’s low prospects and lack of fortune.

The main events of the period romance pick up eight years later. Anne, now 27, moves with her family to Bath and meets Wentworth again.

In the years hence, circumstances have changed. Life seems to have passed her by. Anne, who regrets ending the engagement, is still unmarried. What’s more, the Elliot family is in financial trouble, whilst Wentworth has become an accomplished and wealthy naval officer.

The 2022 film is a huge departure from its source material. The mature and melancholy Anne has a more snarky and chaotic persona in the Netflix version. Notably, she frequently speaks directly to the camera to voice “cringey” modern dialogue.

It scored a measly 30% approval rating with critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes. While a loud and large faction of audience members loathed the film, it was received less poorly overall with viewers who gave it a 72% score.

Rotten Tomatoes summary of professional reviews stated: “Whether you’re annoyed or entertained by its modern touches, Persuasion definitely isn’t your grandmother’s Austen adaptation.”

One viewer said: “Just watched for the second time and enjoyed it immensely more than the first, taking it on its own terms rather than as a direct adaptation. The language the books were written in was contemporary for its time, as is this, and it was very charming.”

Another fan acknowledged the backlash, saying: “I loved it. Is it 100% true to classic Austen? No, but I feel like the humour and some situations were updated a bit, but true to the overall storyline. Fact is, some of the customs from Austen’s time don’t really translate all that well to now.

“And while I love a faithful adaptation like Pride and Prejudice 1995 mini series, I also loved this take on Persuasion. I laughed out loud at a lot of the [dialogue]. The actors were all perfectly cast and Johnson was charming and engaging. I liked her breaking the fourth wall occasionally. It made it more real for some reason. I’d highly recommend it.”