Here’s a fun fact for people who may not keep up with my reviews: twice, I’ve begun a piece spoofing the iconic opening words of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice: “It is a truth universally acknowledged…” To say I am fond of this story is an understatement, but even beyond that, I feel there is something truly special about Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation, as penned by Deborah Moggach. The care and warmth imbued in every frame is so palpable that I’m not at all surprised so many people have made it a comfort watch.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Pride & Prejudice‘s release, marked with a theatrical re-release to capitalize on the fanbase that has only grown in recent years. When I put it on this week in preparation for this review, I tried to view it with a lens beyond my usual blind love and instead aimed to hone in on exactly what makes this Austen adaptation so special. After all, Pride & Prejudice has been retold and reimagined so many times, so why is the 2005 version so beloved?
Wright’s Pride & Prejudice Pays Attention To The Details That Matter
It Goes Beyond The Hand Flex
In sitting with this movie for a little bit, I think I have my answer, and it goes beyond the iconic hand flex. The story itself is as well-known as all the best love stories, revolving around Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), the most headstrong of five daughters, and the brooding, aloof Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). They get off on the wrong foot when, at a ball, Elizabeth overhears Darcy tell his best friend Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) that she is “not handsome enough” to tempt him. Naturally, she resolves to hate him forever, even when new evidence begins to change her perception of him.
Wright understands that it is the quiet, intimate moments that build character and romance, and that approach gives Pride & Prejudice its strength.
And so begins a swoonworthy tale of misunderstandings, fiery banter, and plenty of yearning. This was my first time watching Pride & Prejudice with the realization that it was Wright’s feature directorial debut, and that only made it more impressive to me. From the first simple notes of Dario Marianelli’s score, played as Elizabeth walks up to and through her home, we are firmly planted in her world and embedded within her family. Wright demonstrates a knack for establishing a clear sense of place and character, paying close attention to the minor details that only serve to heighten a romance or a personality.
The Netherfield ball comes to mind on this front, as the camera weaves in between the guests and seeks out the characters we’re familiar with, giving us a peek at who they truly are. We all love to rave about the hand flex (and for good reason), but what about Bingley trailing after Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) and lightly grasping her dress for the briefest moment? Wright understands that it is the quiet, intimate moments that build character and romance, and that approach gives Pride & Prejudice its strength.
There are also the moments that almost feel like a dream, from Elizabeth and Darcy’s dance at Netherfield to the trance-like state Darcy finds Elizabeth in when he delivers his pivotal letter. And yet, Pride & Prejudice still remains grounded in a tangible world. I won’t pretend to know enough about history to ᴀssess how accurate the hair and costumes are; I just appreciate how they, too, are an extension of character and circumstance.
Keira Knightley & Matthew Macfadyen Are Pride & Prejudice’s Heart
But The Whole Cast Is Just As Great
Netflix’s much-maligned Persuasion earned criticism for making its heroine too modern, stripping away the characteristics that defined her in Austen’s novel in favor of pushing a 2022 personality on a story published in 1817. One could easily see a version of this movie where Elizabeth’s independence and refusal to adhere to society’s rules are turned up to girlboss levels, but Knightley perfectly balances her character’s atтιтude with an underlying sensitivity. Able to shift between tender and fierce in an instant, Knightley remains a defining leading lady for Austen adaptations.
Her onscreen chemistry with Macfadyen certainly makes Pride & Prejudice the romantic sensation that it is, and there’s so much to pick apart in the future Succession star’s performance. One of my favorite things about Darcy is that, underneath the haughtiness, he’s really just an awkward, shy guy, and Macfadyen knows exactly when to hint at that simple truth. Each rewatch reveals new nuances to his depiction of Darcy; this time, I caught the startled way he looked up when Elizabeth suggests she and Caroline Bingley (Kelly Reilly) laugh at him, indicating his sensitive nature.
The rest of the Pride & Prejudice cast are equally excellent. Pike nails Jane’s reserved, sweet demeanor, while Brenda Blethyn somehow makes the admittedly irritating Mrs. Bennet rather hilarious. Tom Hollander’s awkward Mr. Collins elicits plenty of laughter and embarrᴀssed groans, and the late Donald Sutherland is a steady, paternal presence, with his relationship with Elizabeth coming through as one of the strongest throughlines.
There are few movies that I hold as dear as 2005’s Pride & Prejudice, and so I can admit that this review might read overly complimentary. The simple truth, though, is that I find there’s a warmth to this movie that I can’t resist, and I know a lot of people feel the same way.
With the earnest, yet simple depiction of love — nothing gets me more than Darcy’s soft “Yes. Yes, I know,” in response to Elizabeth ᴀsserting she likes to walk — and the gorgeous, dreamy visuals, Wright has created a movie I long to watch again and again. I suspect in another 20 years, we’ll still be talking about this one.
