Review

"An American in Austen: Where Hallmark Meets Jane Austen, and Everyone Gets a Happy Ending (Even Mr. Darcy)"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark movie character got sucked into a Jane Austen novel, An American in Austen is here to answer that question—and then some. Released in 2024, this film is the lovechild of a Hallmark holiday movie and a Jane Austen fanfiction binge session. It’s like someone took Pride and Prejudice, sprinkled it with cinnamon-scented snowflakes, and added a dash of “small-town girl with a big-city dream” energy.

The plot follows Harriet (played by the perpetually perky Emily Sparkles), a modern-day American bookstore owner who, after a magical snow globe incident (because of course), finds herself transported to Regency-era England. Harriet is the kind of character who says things like, “Back in my day, we just swiped right!” and “What’s a dowry? Is that like Venmo?” Naturally, she causes chaos in the rigid world of Austen’s England, accidentally insulting Lady Catherine de Bourgh by calling her mansion “quaint” and teaching Mr. Bingley how to do the Macarena at a ball.

The film’s charm lies in its self-awareness. It knows it’s ridiculous, and it leans into it harder than Mr. Collins leans into his awkward compliments. Harriet’s attempts to “fix” the plot of Pride and Prejudice are both hilarious and cringe-worthy. At one point, she tries to convince Elizabeth Bennet to “just text Darcy” to clear up their misunderstandings, only to realize that, oh right, texting doesn’t exist yet.

The romance, of course, is as predictable as a Hallmark holiday movie marathon. Harriet and Mr. Darcy (played by the broodingly handsome Hugh Chiseljaw) start off hating each other, then slowly fall in love while arguing about whether tea is better than coffee. Spoiler alert: they kiss in the rain, because apparently, Regency England has the same weather patterns as every Hallmark Christmas movie ever made.

The supporting cast is a delight. Mrs. Bennet is basically a Regency-era Karen, and Mr. Collins is so awkward he makes you want to hide behind the couch. Harriet’s modern-day quips clash hilariously with the period dialogue, like when she tells Mr. Darcy, “You’re giving off major toxic masculinity vibes, but I’m into it.”

In the end, An American in Austen is a delightful mashup of Hallmark movies and Austen’s wit. It’s not going to win any Oscars, but it will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even cry a little (if you’re the type who cries at Hallmark holiday movies, which, let’s be real, we all are). So grab your popcorn, your coziest blanket, and your sense of humor, and prepare to be transported to a world where love conquers all—even bad Wi-Fi.

Rating: 4 out of 5 snow globes. Would watch again while drinking spiked cider.