They say forewarned is forearmed. But however many bad stories Reginald De Courcy (Xavier Samuel) has heard about Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), as soon as she moves in as a guest with his sister and brother-in-law, he falls irredeemably for her charms. His sister Catherine has to look on resignedly as Reginald is taken in by the much older widow, who is well known for her manipulative and adulterous behaviour.
Love & Friendship is the ironic title of this cheerfully venomous love satire based on Jane Austen’s never-previously-filmed novella in letters, Lady Susan. While Susan makes up clever plans with her American best friend, Alicia (Chloë Sevigny), the men in her life remain blind to her cunning behaviour. The American Whit Stillman (Damsels in Distress, The Last Days of Disco) gives a sizzling impulse to this very British story set in the late 18th century. A villainous, up-tempo period piece full of pleasure.