-Written by Kyle Bain.
2024 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
In the midst of a romantic proposal, Estrogenia (Julia Aks) experiences her period. Her suitor, Mr. Dickley (Lachlan Ta’imua Hannemann) has never before heard of a period or a menstrual cycle–and Estrogenia is forced to flee the scene as a result. Still wanting to marry the man of her dreams, Estrogenia and her family must develop a cover up for her misfortunes.
Jane Austen’s Period Drama is a satire for the ages–tackling the lack of knowledge surrounding the female body during the Georgian Era.
Opening to a scene reminiscent of the titular Jane Austen’s works (i.e. Pride & Prejudice, Emma, etc.), Jane Austen’s Period Drama pulls us into the times–one that oozes romance, charisma, and even a bit of pretension. The set design is what allows this to come to life. Certainly the costume design, the formal language, and the narrative help to envelope us in this world–but the set design reigns supreme in this regard. Not only does it work in the favor of the narrative, it helps with viewer retention as well–as the visuals are stunningly beautiful. The rolling hills, the lush landscape, the gorgeously decorated home in which the protagonist lives; everything works to reel in viewers, to appeal to their senses and strengthen the film as a whole. Jane Austen’s Period Drama is intensely funny, but the visuals take the cake–they are what ultimately make the film worth watching.
Again, that humor plays a significant role in driving Jane Austen’s Period Drama forward. It’s often crude, relating to the menstrual cycle and using faux pas to create confusion, relatability, and sometimes even intensity–but it always has deeper meaning. Not each individual joke necessarily–but collectively, which makes it even more impressive. Writer-Directors Aks and Steve Pinder create an overarching narrative of comedy that extends beyond the film’s primary story. It exists as a separate layer throughout the course of the film, something that, much like the film’s aesthetic, appeals to viewers and reins them in. Through a combination of wordplay, twisted high comedy, and crude undertones, Jane Austen’s Period Drama comes to life brilliantly, appealing to viewers every step of the way.
A quick trip back in time presents viewers with a twisted but honest story–one that tells the unfortunate tale of the history of knowledge and acceptance of a woman’s menstrual cycle. While the film takes on a heavily comedic tone, Jane Austen’s Period Drama aims to be truthful, to dive into the history and the politics behind women and their journey through time. Aks and Pinder aren’t aggressive in their approach, and they find a reasonable balance between comedy and education–one that thrives. While it’s the visuals that pulled me in and allowed me to remain present in the film, I was thoroughly entertained by the comedy, the history lesson, and Jane Austen’s Period Drama as a whole.
Written & Directed by Julia Aks & Steve Pinder.
Starring Julia Aks, Lachlan T’imua Hannemann, Samantha Smart, Nicole Alyse Nelson, Hugo Armstrong, Marilyn Brett, Dustin Ingram, & Snow White, the Chicken.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
