The new British miniseries “The Pursuit of Love” is a delightful blend of social satire packed with humor, romance, and a strong emphasis on female friendship. It masterfully balances being both funny and tragic, with dynamic performances from the entire cast, anchored by Emily Mortimer’s brilliant writing and directing.
The series may not please hardcore fans of Nancy Mitford’s novel or traditional period drama enthusiasts due to its unique adaptation style. However, the perfect casting, energetic script, and thoughtful direction make it exceptionally enjoyable.
THE STORY
“The Pursuit of Love” explores the lives and loves of cousins and best friends, Linda Radlett (Lily James), who yearns for passionate romance, and Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham), who makes more practical life choices but envies Linda’s adventurous spirit. The narrative spans from the 1920s through World War II, a time when women’s opportunities were limited. You’ll meet their eccentric, wealthy British family and friends, including love interests based on real people from Mitford’s life.
THE PURSUIT OF LOVE REVIEW
Emily Mortimer crafts a superb script that revives the classic novel with a fresh, modern touch. The dialogue is lively and witty, performed vibrantly by the cast, especially Lily James. Emily Beecham also excels as the responsible Fanny, revealing a deep passion constrained by her era’s limitations.
The supporting cast shines, with standout performances from Andrew Scott as the bohemian Lord Merlin, Dominic West as the erratic Uncle Matthew, and Emily Mortimer as Fanny’s neglectful mother, The Bolter. Scott’s portrayal is exceptionally captivating, sparking a desire for a spinoff centered around his character.
Besides the sharp script and outstanding acting, the cinematography, costumes, and art design are visually stunning. However, some period drama enthusiasts may not appreciate the modernist elements, such as contemporary rock music and flashy camerawork. Fans of the 1999 adaptation of “Mansfield Park” and Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” will likely enjoy this series.
THE PURSUIT OF LOVE AND ROMANCE
“The Pursuit of Love” is not a traditional romance. While romance is present, it’s not the central focus. Linda continues to make poor romantic choices in her quest for true love, and the male characters are often less appealing, which fits the story’s narrative.
The series truly shines in its portrayal of the deep bond between cousins Fanny and Linda. Their friendship, marked by both selfishness and support, is heartwarming and relatable. Linda is a flawed, yet sympathetic character whose journey is captivating.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Overall, “The Pursuit of Love” is a fresh take on Mitford’s novel and an excellent choice for a summer watch. It promotes empowering female messages, leaving one to ponder how Linda and Fanny might thrive in today’s world with better opportunities. Emily Mortimer’s adaptation skills are impressive, and it would be exciting to see her tackle more period dramas, possibly even more from Mitford’s trilogy or a Jane Austen novel.
Despite the protagonist’s obsession with love, the series remains tasteful and avoids exploitative content, which is refreshing. This is a must-watch if you’re seeking something witty and heartfelt.
THE PURSUIT OF LOVE – WHERE TO WATCH?
You can stream “The Pursuit of Love” on Amazon Prime Video.
Content Note: The series is rated 13+ (similar to TV-14) due to some sensual scenes, innuendo, and mild nudity.
