I saw this movie twice, once at sundance and once at a pre-screening. Loved it both times, and even more the second time. It is hilarious, and the screenplay is so packed full of wit (no pun intended with the director/writer) that I found myself cracking up to so many jokes the second time that I didnt even pick up on the first time. It is a high brow comedy, and it definitely keeps you on your toes following the story. The payoff is worth it. Whit Stillman is a genius, and I'd be happy to watch this a third time to unpack even more of the jokes interwoven through the fast paced dialogue.

It does take a a few minutes to get into the story (as many characters are introduced and it is difficult to understand who is related to who, etc), but it is totally worth it by the end. Go see this and support indie film making at its best!

"Love & Friendship" (2016 release; 92 min.) brings the story of Lady Susan. As the movie opens,, we see her arriving unannounced at het sister and brother-in-law's estate at Churchill, for reasons not clear just yet. We do understand that Lady Susan was widowed recently, and that she has a teenage daughter who is in boarding school. We also are introduced to Lady Susan's friend Alicia, an American woman from Connecticut married to a (much older) British gentleman. Before we realize it, the flirting and scheming is in full swing. To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the latest movie from writer-director Whit Stillman, best known for his "Last Days of Disco', but who most recently brought us "Damsels in Distress", in spirit a very similar movie to "Love & Friendship". The latter is based loosely on Jane Austin's "Lady Susan", which I have not read (and hence I cannot comment who closely the film is or isn't to the book). The initial 10 minutes of the film are a bit overwhelming, as we get introduced to a bunch of characters in a screen shot and byline, and it takes us a while to understand (and enjoy) the flow of what's going on. Indeed, Stillman doesn't waste a minute or a second in unnecessary plot or side stories, as every shot has a meaning and a purpose. But most of all: the movie is a pure delight, as the one-liners come at us rapidly and repeatedly ("The Vernons will never go hungry!", as Lady Susan contemplates her next move). Speaking of Lady Susan, that role is played by Kate Beckinsale, best known for her recurring role in the "Underworld" franchise.Read more ›

I saw this movie the first day it was available at a theater near my house. It was pleasantly humorous and the plot moves along nicely. I was a bit confused where the plot was going for the first 20 minutes or so, but once it picks up, it is easy to follow. I found myself laughing alone at times in the theater. There is obvious humor and then a bit more delicate (high brow, if you will) humor. The ending was great. I highly recommend this movie and will be seeing it again!

We just saw it in the theater. It was so packed full of wit and conniving, twisting, story line, that my husband and I, did not want to miss a single minute to go to the bathroom. There were times that I couldn't remember who was who in the rapidly introduced characters. We look forward to seeing it again when we can bring it home and enjoy the wit again. We have no doubt that we missed some of the humor the first time. Kate Beckinsale is WONDERFUL in this role. Very enjoyable.

Director/writer Whit Stillman has been absent too long (5 years since “Damsels in Distress” and 18! since “The Last Days of Disco.”) He reunites Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny from the later film in this 18th century period piece. Set mostly in rural England, Lady Susan Vernon (Beckinsale) is a widowed lady having an affair with the married man (Lochlann O’Mearain). She’s booted out from his manse and without funds, seeks temporary residence at her sister-in-law’s (Emma Greenwell) castle that she shares with her husband, Charles (Justin Edwards).

Catherine (Greenwell) has a younger brother who seems to be the target of Susan’s affections. Like most of these period pieces, the approaches are very chaste and barely flirtatious. The fact is, Susan still has a physical attraction to Lord Manwaring (O’Mearain) but a marriage to young Reginald De Courcy (Xavier Samuel) provides financial security. Meanwhile Susan’s teenage daughter, Frederica (Morfydd Clark) is being kicked out of school and seeks refuge at her aunt and uncle's home as well. She and her mother have a contentious relationship. She is being wooed by Sir James Martin (Tom Bennet), a buffoon if there ever was one.

The stars in this story are Bennet who is hilarious as smiling misfit full of balderdash and silliness and especially Ms. Beckinsale. Like all of Stillman’s films, dialog is the primary and secondary component. While Beckinsale can still look great in black leather (“Underworld” films), she is a wonder with the words Stillman provided for her. We have the added bonuses of great costumes and sets. And terrific photography. Chloe Sevigny plays an American friend of Susan’s who serves as a sounding board for the audience, and helps keep us focused on what is going on in her mind. This isn’t a movie you can watch casually, at least if you want to keep up, not to mention catch the great humor. I loved it. Recommended.