Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a charming French romantic comedy that blends modern love stories with the timeless spirit of Jane Austen’s world. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you watch, from the plot and cast to filming locations, first impressions, where to watch it, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the movie.
So whether you’re a lifelong Austen fan or simply love a good rom-com, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in!
What’s the Plot of Jane Austen Wrecked My Life?
The story follows Agathe Robinson, a Parisian bookseller and aspiring novelist who’s feeling creatively stuck and emotionally drained. After a personal tragedy and years of self-doubt, her best friend secretly submits her unfinished manuscript to a prestigious Jane Austen-themed writers residency in England. To her surprise, she’s accepted.
Agathe travels to the English countryside, where she meets Oliver, a reserved and slightly intimidating Austen scholar, and reconnects with her friend Félix, who may have feelings for her that go beyond friendship. As Agathe navigates this new chapter, she faces grief, romance, and a serious case of writer’s block, all while surrounded by people who worship Jane Austen.
It’s a heartfelt journey about finding your voice, healing from the past, and discovering that love (and life) rarely go as planned, but that’s what makes it worth writing about.
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Official Trailer
Meet the Cast of Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
Here’s a look at the key cast members and the characters they portray.
Camille Rutherford – Agathe Robinson 
Pablo Pauly – Félix 
Charlie Anson – Oliver 
Annabelle Lengronne – Chéryl
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Camille Rutherford as Agathe Robinson |
Agathe is a Paris-based bookseller and aspiring writer who is accepted into a Jane Austen-themed literary residency in England. She is the film’s protagonist and central point of view. |
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Pablo Pauly as Félix |
Félix is Agathe’s best friend and coworker in Paris. He plays a key role in encouraging her writing and supporting her emotionally throughout her journey. |
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Charlie Anson as Oliver |
Oliver is a British literature professor and a distant relative of Jane Austen. He becomes one of the key figures Agathe encounters at the residency. |
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Annabelle Lengronne as Sophie |
Sophie is another participant at the writing residency. She provides commentary on the group’s dynamics and contributes to the film’s ensemble atmosphere. |
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Liz Crowther as Mrs. Hampton |
Mrs. Hampton is the director of the Jane Austen residency program. Her character oversees the participants and represents the institutional voice of the retreat. |
What Are the Themes in Jane Austen Wrecked My Life?
At its heart, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life explores more than just romance. It’s a thoughtful film about the many ways we break, rebuild, and find ourselves again, often through the stories we tell and the ones we live.
Here are some of the central themes woven through the story:
- Love in All Its Complexity
- Grief and Emotional Recovery
- Finding Your Voice Again
- The Power of Literature
Together, these themes make Jane Austen Wrecked My Life more than a simple romantic comedy. It’s a story about healing, reinvention, and the quiet strength it takes to begin again.
Director Spotlight: Laura Piani and Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
Awards & Festival Highlights for Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Reviews: First Reactions from Critics
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life has garnered attention for its introspective take on romantic comedy, blending literary homage with modern storytelling.
Where to Watch Jane Austen Wrecked My Life?
As of June 2025, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is available exclusively in theaters. The film premiered in France on January 22, 2025.
If you’re eager to catch Jane Austen Wrecked My Life on the big screen, here’s a breakdown of its international theatrical release dates in alphabetical order.
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Australia |
Preview Screenings: June 8, 2025 |
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Brazil (and Latin America) |
Distribution by Sony Pictures Classics confirmed. |
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Canada |
Release Date: May 30, 2025 |
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China |
Release Date: Not officially announced. |
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France |
Release Date: January 22, 2025 |
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Germany |
Festival Screenings: June 2025 |
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New Zealand |
Release Date: June 19, 2025 |
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United Kingdom |
Limited Release: May 16, 2025 |
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United States |
Limited Release: May 16, 2025 |
When Will Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Be Available to Stream?
Is Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Based on a Book?
Despite the title, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life isn’t based on a book.
It’s actually an original screenplay, written and directed by Laura Piani. You might think of the 2009 novel Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo — and I did too at first — but the film has no connection to it at all.
Is Jane Austen Wrecked My Life in French?
Yes, the film is mostly in French, with some parts in English.
It’s a bilingual story, which makes sense since it’s set between France and England. But don’t worry — if you’re watching outside of France, it comes with subtitles (including English), so you won’t miss a thing!
Where Was Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Filmed?
Paris, France
- Shakespeare and Company Bookstore (37 Rue de la Bûcherie)
This iconic English-language bookstore is where Agathe works in the film. It’s a real literary landmark in the heart of the Latin Quarter. - Arlequin Cinema (76 Rue de Rennes)
A historic Parisian cinema that adds a true local flair to the movie’s artistic setting. - Dunkirk Region (Région de Dunkerque), Northern France
Used to represent the English countryside and the Jane Austen Residency retreat. While exact locations weren’t publicly named, the region’s peaceful countryside and historic buildings worked perfectly as stand-ins for England.
Final Thoughts
I haven’t had the chance to watch Jane Austen Wrecked My Life just yet, I’m waiting for it to hit streaming. Cozy movies deserve a cozy setting, right? Preferably after work, with tea and a blanket.
That said, after looking into the cast, reviews, themes, and all the buzz around the film, I’m genuinely excited to press play when the time comes.
What makes me even more excited is that it’s a French movie. I’ve always loved French romances, they tend to be quieter, more subtle, and not overly flashy. As soon as it’s available to stream, I’ll be watching… and of course, I’ll be back here to share my full review!
Let’s Chat!
Now that you know a whole lot about this production, are you planning to watch it in theaters, or will you wait for streaming like me?
Let me know in the comments, or bookmark this post and check back later! I’ll update it with streaming info as soon as it’s confirmed. And if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with a fellow Austen fan, or anyone who loves a good story about love, writing, and starting over.
