Fans of The Other Bennet Sister, which is receiving a three-part Christmas special, are being encouraged to watch an Austen-inspired film praised as 'a classic'. Drawing inspiration from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the BBC's first series of The Other Bennet Sister drew 7.3 million UK viewers during its opening four weeks.
Northanger Abbey: A Faithful Adaptation
A 2007 film featuring Felicity Jones and JJ Feild has been suggested, and it represents an adaptation of Jane Austen's 1817 novel bearing the same title. Northanger Abbey chronicles teenage Catherine Morland (Jones), who travels with family friends to Bath and becomes the focus of affection from both Henry Tilney (Feild) and John Thorpe (William Beck). When invited to remain at Northanger Abbey, Catherine's innocent imagination runs wild as she blurs the boundaries between reality and the Gothic romance found in her beloved novels.
Viewer Praise and Critical Acclaim
Enthusiasts have flocked to IMDb reviews to express their opinions on the film, with one declaring: 'Classic!' Another viewer proclaimed it a 'must-watch', adding: 'The 2007 adaptation of Northanger Abbey is a delightful and faithful rendition of Jane Austen's novel. From the charming performances to the captivating storyline, the film brings Austen's wit and satire to life. Felicity Jones shines as Catherine Morland, perfectly capturing her innocence and imagination, while JJ Feild makes a dashing and charismatic Henry Tilney. The adaptation stays true to the novel's themes, blending romance, humour, and gothic intrigue seamlessly.'
One further fan described it as 'masterful', elaborating: '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. ENJOY this masterful adaptation!'
Similarities to The Other Bennet Sister
A Reddit user championed the film — available to purchase on Prime Video for just £1.89 — as a title in a similar vein to The Other Bennet Sister, remarking: 'Surprised Jane Austen adaptations have barely been recommended, unless those are too obvious. The Other Bennet Sister is not only a spin-off of Pride and Prejudice with many familiar characters from that story, but in many ways it takes inspiration from other existing Austen novels, which is very Austen of the author, because her stories frequently recycled/reworked the same characters/plot-lines.'
Call for New Adaptations
One enthusiastic fan took to Reddit to express their desire for a fresh Northanger Abbey adaptation off the back of The Other Bennet Sister's success, posting: '@BBC thank you for adapting this rather than another round of endless adaptations of Austen's books that already have so many amazing adaptations! @Netflix take notes! Fans don't want you to ruin Austen's work with crummy adaptations that don't do the original ones justice. Let's adapt other beautiful stories instead! Honestly, I would be fine with another Northanger Abbey adaptation or maybe a Mansfield Park adaptation if it's absolutely needed.'
Northanger Abbey is available to buy on Prime Video for £1.89.
