ITV's acclaimed 2007 period drama Northanger Abbey will be available to stream for free on ITVX next month. The adaptation of Jane Austen's novel stars Oscar-nominated actress Felicity Jones as teenage heroine Catherine Morland, whose obsession with gothic literature leads her into trouble.
The film arrives on ITVX as Netflix prepares to launch its new television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and a fresh version of Sense and Sensibility heads to cinemas.
Plot and Cast
After being invited to visit the titular estate by General Tilney (Liam Cunningham), Catherine becomes convinced he murdered his late wife and sets about investigating. She is later reprimanded by clergyman Henry Tilney (JJ Feild) for her fondness for gothic literature, which has caused her to devise far-fetched theories about those around her.
In quintessential Austen style, misunderstandings abound before the heroine finds her happy ending. Jones, known for The Theory of Everything and The Brutalist, portrays the endearingly naive protagonist, while British-American actor Feild takes on the role of hero Henry.
The production also features The Great Gatsby's Carey Mulligan, Sherlock Holmes and Anne with an E star Geraldine James, and The Hardacres' Liam McMahon. Additional cast members include Michael Judd, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Desmond Barrit, William Beck, Patrick Ryan, Julia Dearden, Gerry O'Brien, and David Sheehan.
Audience Reception
The film holds a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb. One viewer awarded it 9/10, describing it as "A thrilling and bang-up-to-date adaptation of a fantastic book" and declaring the film "pretty much faultless". They noted it would captivate both devoted Jane Austen fans and those seeking an enjoyable Sunday evening watch.
A second reviewer, also awarding 9/10, called the adaptation "lively and highly amusing" while preserving the essence of the original novel. They praised screenwriter Andrew Davies, the creative force behind the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, declaring the script "brilliant". They explained: "When I see Davies' name attached to a period drama, I feel safe that it will be done competently and in good taste, and Northanger Abbey was." Adding: "The best of the current offerings."
A third reviewer awarded a perfect 10/10, writing: "This is a really lovely TV/film version of this book, and of course... the script is by master adapter Andrew Davies. He is just magnificent." They applauded the cast's performances, declaring Jones' portrayal "just perfect".
Another contributor awarded 9/10, describing Northanger Abbey as "excellent fun" and confessing it was a "secret favourite". They admired Feild's portrayal of Henry Tilney, with the wider ensemble cast deemed "exceptional". A further reviewer gave a flawless 10/10, stating they "loved" the novel before elaborating: "I was instantly hooked. As a lover of romantic stories, I loved the cute relationship between Henry and Catherine. (The kiss at the end is v.sweet! ) [sic]."
Northanger Abbey will be streaming on ITVX from September 24.
