First off, I like the use of modern music in period pieces, so long as it works, and it does here. I like fresh takes on classics. I have no desire to watch a stale retread, no matter how well done. This version is more than true enough to the source material and the era in which it is set. The biggest and best difference is Olivia Cooke as Becky, who has the carriage and crisp inflection of a Regency-era protagonist with a sly, arch, amusingly impatient modern twist. Cooke has charisma to spare, but she doesn't have to mug or over-emote or toss her hair to shine. She's restrained while still bursting with life and wit. Becky is far from (entirely) sympathetic, but she is a force to behold. As for the rest of the cast, they are just fine. I like Tom Bateman's Rawden, even if I find it hard not to compare him to James Purefoy in the film version with Reese Witherspoon.
The one who bugs me is Amelia. I understand that she is sweet, naive, tender, pure of heart, devoted to her One True Love, etc. But here, Amelia is just too much of a sap. She constantly has this wet-eyed, tremulous look that makes her seem like a kicked puppy. I want to shake her sometimes. And by being so insufferably meek, she manages to make Becky in all of her cool calculation look better somehow. I don't fault the actress for this. I've seen Claudia Jessie in "Bridgerton" and she is quite good playing a wholly different character. I think this was the fault of the direction.
The production value is decent. The pace could be a little quicker. The supporting cast is good. The battle scenes seemed maybe unnecessary? Overall, a good watch, but mainly for Cooke.
The one who bugs me is Amelia. I understand that she is sweet, naive, tender, pure of heart, devoted to her One True Love, etc. But here, Amelia is just too much of a sap. She constantly has this wet-eyed, tremulous look that makes her seem like a kicked puppy. I want to shake her sometimes. And by being so insufferably meek, she manages to make Becky in all of her cool calculation look better somehow. I don't fault the actress for this. I've seen Claudia Jessie in "Bridgerton" and she is quite good playing a wholly different character. I think this was the fault of the direction.
The production value is decent. The pace could be a little quicker. The supporting cast is good. The battle scenes seemed maybe unnecessary? Overall, a good watch, but mainly for Cooke.