Before Fitzwilliam Darcy could meet Elizabeth Bennet, their creator Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) had to meet and fall in love with Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). The budding author was living a quiet life of genteel poverty and ambitious literary dreams, when dashing but destitute lawyer Lefroy landed on her doorstep. Despite the practical objections of her family and the machinations of local grande dame Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith), who intends Jane for her beloved grandson, Jane falls for the dashing adventurer. Can the star-crossed pair fight fate and find happiness?
While the filmmakers may have taken a few liberties with some of the blanks in the beloved author's life, they haven't rewritten history entirely. True love doesn't conquer all, and we are given a plausible, if romanticised explanation for the unmarried Austen's understanding of relationships and love. American Hathaway gives a spirited, convincing performance of a woman determined to defy convention, while McAvoy is all roguish charm and hidden depths. With note-perfect support from Julie Walters, Maggie Smith and a score of other familiar faces, this is a fresh, winning addition to the canon, whatever the objections of Austen purists.