LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (***1/2)

(2016) Based on the Jane Austen novella Lady Susan, Love & Friendship is a feel-good romp featuring a charming Kate Beckinsale as the widow Lady Susan Vernon, who comes to stay with her in-laws as the rumors of her dalliances with men (one married man in particular) grow too uncomfortable to bear.  Acting like visiting royalty, Lady Susan proceeds to move and manipulate those around her, all while seeking a suitable mate as well as a beau for her more-than-reluctant daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark).  Set in 1790s England, the film feels very much of both its time and of Austen's signature humor and clandestine peeks into upper-class British gentility (who are normally at their most interesting when not acting so genteel).  Perfectly cast, with standout performances by Chloe Sevigny and Xavier Samuel in particular, it's a well-crafted love letter to Austen, led by a pitch-perfect and wickedly effervescent Beckinsale.  (PG)

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP trailer