Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Screen Gems | Release Date: February 5, 2016

5.5	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 136 Ratings

USER RATING DISTRIBUTION

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Review this movie

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Please sign in or create an account before writing a review.

Check box if your review contains spoilers

0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

horrorliefhebApr 9, 2016

-Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (stylized as Pride + Prejudice + Zombies) is a 2016 British-American comedy horror film based on the 2009 novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith that parodies the 1813 novel Pride and-Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (stylized as Pride + Prejudice + Zombies) is a 2016 British-American comedy horror film based on the 2009 novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith that parodies the 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The film is directed by Burr Steers, who wrote the adapted screenplay, and stars Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Charles Dance and Lena Headey.

-The film was released by Screen Gems on February 5, 2016 in the United States, and by Lionsgate on February 11 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The film grossed just $16 million worldwide against a budget of $28 million, making it a box office bomb.

--Critical response:

-The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 43%, based on 141 reviews, with an average rating of 5.4/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies manages to wring a few fun moments out of its premise, but never delivers the thoroughly kooky mashup its title suggests." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 45 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B–" on an A+ to F scale.

-Rafer Guzmán of Newsday wrote positively about the film, giving the film three out of four stars, calling it "an unexpected and off-kilter treat, thanks to a BBC-quality cast and (un)deadpan humor."

-Jesse Hassenger of The A.V. Club gave the film a C, commenting "That this particular retelling of the Jane Austen novel feels like a Cliffs Notes version is understandable; that its zombie bits are equally rudimentary, though, is more disappointing."

-Literary scholar and Austen professor Devoney Looser stated in Entertainment Weekly magazine her opinion of the literary quality of the film in the horror genre indicating that: "I enjoy genre movies that attempt something different -- and this does -- but I didn't find it all that scary. I'd give it a 'B'"…
……………………………………………………… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

treki999Feb 22, 2016

I enjoyed them taking Jane Austin's original writing and bringing a modern twist. It is funny how Jane's language becomes comical in today's way of thinking. If you like this storyline, enjoy the movie for what it is.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

All this user's reviews

quincytheodoreFeb 14, 2016

The clash of tone is admittedly peculiar, yet the cast manages to sneak in healthy chunks of humor and drama amidst the impending zombie apocalypse.

Zombie infestation is spreading uncontrollably fast, they are literally everywhere, evenThe clash of tone is admittedly peculiar, yet the cast manages to sneak in healthy chunks of humor and drama amidst the impending zombie apocalypse.

Zombie infestation is spreading uncontrollably fast, they are literally everywhere, even in spin-off of Pride and Prejudice. It may sound bizarre at first, and it really is, but there's no lack of production value here. The presentation is top notch and the cast, mixed of actors from Maleficent, Cinderella, Doctor Who and Game of Thrones, deliver an air of seriousness beyond that expected from a zombie movie, also with unexpected degree of humor as well.

This is still the story of British aristocrats and their so troubled lives in 19th century, though some aspects have been altered to accommodate zombies, even as far as to present backstory with heavy monologue and narration. It doesn't deter the movie from going full drama as the cast essentially creates a drama while acting like zombie killing is as the norm as sipping afternoon tea. These fine men and ladies look astoundingly fitting in the outlandishly bleak universe.

Lily James, if born into different time, might be a legitimate princess. She looks comfortably convincing as Elizabeth Bennet, the zombie hunter version of the female lead at least. Sam Riley as Darcy is proper as well, he encompasses the awkward nobility with a fervent passion. These two have strange chemistry, especially when zombies are involved, yet it's weirdly adorably amicable. Matt Smith from Doctor Who fame, can singlehandedly delivers the humor, he’s simply too versatile and endearing not to have in old style England.

The humor works splendidly, there are times when sarcasm is produced just right against the backdrop of the somber tone. Its playful romance, bantering and even cringe worthy moments are pleasantly delightful. However, the jarring tone can be too distracting at times. The movie screams too hard to set grim horror, a staple flaw in horror genre and on the other side of spectrum, it’s occasionally overly zealous in the drama that it becomes wallowing or slow.

An odd bite of contrasting drama and comedy, yet surprisingly enjoyable, this seemingly crazy version of Pride and Prejudice can serendipitously attract audience of many different tastes.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

TheQuietGamerJul 30, 2016

The name alone should tell you exactly what you are getting into. It's the type of movie you are meant to just have fun with. It's knowingly silly and it's carefree nature allows the movie to have a great sense of humor about itself. There'sThe name alone should tell you exactly what you are getting into. It's the type of movie you are meant to just have fun with. It's knowingly silly and it's carefree nature allows the movie to have a great sense of humor about itself. There's even a surprising sense of genuine sweetness and solid action to give it a slightly more serious tone at times.

As someone who has never experienced the Jane Austen novel, I cannot tell you just how well this holds up as a parody. I can say that the dialog is marvelously captures the writing one would find in a book of Jane Austen's era. The romance itself is solid and actually sweet, even if predictable in these modern times. The cast is just fantastic.

Some elements of the plot though aren't up to snuff. Things move at such a brisk pace I found myself confused as to why certain characters were in certain places at specific times. It all holds together well, but there are some missing bits of context as is normally expected with movies based on novels.

Despite being limited to a PG-13 rating, the zombie violence is still enjoyable. No it doesn't reach the gory heights everyone wants to see in zombie movies, but it's still has it's bloody fun moments. It's straight faced silliness keeps it from sinking into the cheesy depths of other B-rated horror comedies.

The name really does tell you all you need to know. It lets you in on exactly what to expect and just how much fun you'll have with it. No, this is not a movie for everyone. Those looking for more serious zombie affairs should check elsewhere. However those knowing what we are getting into are sure to have a blast. It does exactly what it says it will do and it does it well. It's definitely only out there for a specific audience, but perhaps that's all it's trying to be anyway. I, for one, found it to be thoroughly entertaining.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

DeralacJul 13, 2022

An interesting twist on a classic novel, the writing was good if not a little predictable and the acting was decent. Well except for Lily James who was delightful.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

LeZeeDec 14, 2016

From loathing to romance and zombie hunting!

I did not know there was a parody novel of Jane Austen's 200 years old classic. This was based on that, a multi-starrer film, but the lack of star value let down the film. This is the film with aFrom loathing to romance and zombie hunting!

I did not know there was a parody novel of Jane Austen's 200 years old classic. This was based on that, a multi-starrer film, but the lack of star value let down the film. This is the film with a familiar plot, in addition to that zombies were there, but that was not enough. The big names from the cast would have pulled the film out of the box office disaster if it had one or two. But still I think this film was okay, an acceptable with awesome production and performances.

It ended like there will be a sequel, but now I don't think there's going to be one. The story was kind of predictable. Well, I did predict, particularly the character Wickham. Though I was more curious about the Zombies, like how it was going to be used in the narration. I must say, they were excellent. I mean they were not given any big preference, but theirs part indeed helped to build a nice plot. Pretty well composed stunts. I mean carefully, without strong blood and gore, so they got PG13 and warning for the violences.

I think the film critics overreacted like usual. They're like the sheep herds, they follow one another and given verdict for this as a bad flick. But as a film fanatic, I don't think it is worth neglecting, especially if you are a fan of the original story. In the todays world, the critics are a bunch of circus clowns. So I hope you make a right choice on this, not because of me or the critics, if you haven't seen it yet.

6.5/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

Voodoo123Apr 5, 2023

+Excellent cast
+Decent production quality
-Action scenes feel generic at best An entertaining if bizarre mashup, somehow it's obvious that a period drama and a zombie(sort of!) apocalypse mashup wouldn't work. It's actually quite a good p&p+Excellent cast
+Decent production quality
-Action scenes feel generic at best

An entertaining if bizarre mashup, somehow it's obvious that a period drama and a zombie(sort of!) apocalypse mashup wouldn't work. It's actually quite a good p&p versioning and the zombie stuff tends to act more as a quirky pacing device accenting some of the more emotional scenes of the drama with bloody combat. Not quite sure how this concept made it through the door to full production but it's an admirable and entertaining effort!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

KrysteneriversJun 9, 2016

I have several copies now and can't stop watching it. I LOVE IT! I think it is so much better than the book and I love how Burr Steers wrote the script with Jane Austenish scenes. The 1st proposal scene is fantastic and the 2nd proposal II have several copies now and can't stop watching it. I LOVE IT! I think it is so much better than the book and I love how Burr Steers wrote the script with Jane Austenish scenes. The 1st proposal scene is fantastic and the 2nd proposal I can't stop re-watching. I love movies with strong women characters and the Bennet girls all are kick-ass great. Love how the story line was changed form the book. Lt. Wickham is evil anyway you read him, so I was thrilled to see him as the AntiChrist for the Zombies and a great adversary for Mr. Darcy. I so hope Burr Steers and everyone join up again for the sequel. I think the movie would have made more money if they had stuck to their original release date of February 19th instead of Super Bowl weekend. There were also too many Valentine's Days Movies the following weekend. GO Lily James and Sam Riley they are my favorite Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy ever. I will never see anyone else i those parts, they were a perfect match for the film and the Love/Hate tension was great all the way through the movie. Love the kissing scene after the proposal. They both had waited so long.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews