Beckinsale gives one of the best performances of her career- quick, alluring, commanding, and incredibly funny. She is mesmerizing as this 18th century empowered uncompromising almost Machiavellian widow. The supporting cast is engaging and are serviceable foils for Beckinsale with two notable exceptions. Chloë Sevigny as Lady Susan's confidant Alicia seems a bit out of place, striking a somewhat odd contrast to the other cast members, not exactly distracting but somewhat detracting. Tom Bennett as Sir James the would-be suitor of Frederica is hilarious, taking idiocy to almost poetic levels. His stumbling monologues and good-natured but disturbingly ill-conceived attempts at simple socializing are riotous. Second to Beckinsale Bennett is a clear stand out.
The film has all the trappings of the period but visually lacks luster. Another installment from Amazon Studios that feels a bit underfunded or at least made with the small screen in mind. The costumes are incredible but the cinematography doesn't have the lushness or sharpness that typically bring a level of engagement to period films of this type. Based on a novella the narrative starts strong but concludes with a bit of a whimper, slightly unclear and lacking the kind of definitive resolution that a character as strong as Lady Susan warrants.
Enjoyable and very funny but with an overall scope that reflects its $3 million budget.
Rent It.
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