2 Aug 2025

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life

From Saturday Morning, 11:06 am on 2 August 2025

This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, with celebratory events in England and now a French rom-com.

A smash-hit at the recent NZ French Film Festival, now coming out on general release, Laura Piani's film Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a love letter to the iconic author.

Battling a severe case of writer's block, Agathe is invited to a prestigious Jane Austen residency in England. In a manor house ripped directly from the pages of a novel, she meets Jane Austen's great-great-great-great nephew and becomes embroiled in an Austen-esque love-triangle.

Susie speaks with lead actress Camille Rutherford - whose previous work includes Anatomy of a Fall, and Blue is the Warmest Colour - and filmmaker Laura Piani.

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is coming to cinemas August 14.

Camille Rutherford in Jane Austen Wrecked My Life.

Camille Rutherford in Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. Photo: Supplied