‘The Pursuit of Love’ Miniseries Review- So Many Affairs

This show was released in 2021.

The Pursuit of Love is a BBC miniseries written and directed by Emily Mortimer. The show is told in three parts and was streamed in the United States via Amazon.

Taking place before the Second World War, Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) is best friends with her cousin Linda Radlett (Lily James). The two could not be more different. Fanny is well-educated and has a carefree mother known as the “Bolter” (Emily Mortimer) who runs from all of her relationships once they get serious. Linda dreams of falling in love and living happily ever after. Despite hesitation from Linda’s father Matthew (Dominic West), and mother Sadie (Dolly Wells), the girls befriend the hedonistic Lord Merlin (Andrew Scott), though they are guided by family friend Davey (John Heffernan). The two go through life and love, but drift apart as the war approaches.

Apparently, this show is based on a book by British novelist Nancy Mitford. I have not read the book so I will not make any analysis on that front and will simply discuss it as a miniseries.

I just want to say, Lily James is a delightful actress. She is simply charming in every role and this one is no different. She truly shines and I can honestly say this show could have been a disaster with anyone else in the role of Linda. Likewise, Beecham did a good job as her enduring cousin. I cannot say a crossword about the cast. They all did a good job.

Now, the miniseries does not go into full “woke mode” like it could have, but it definitely had some politically correct overtones that made you roll your eyes. It also had conflicting messages on what it was trying to say about women and their role in society. That being said, the story tells about two women who thought their lives would go one way, but in both their cases, they ended up in unexpected ways.

The issue is really with the editing. It felt frantic, going from scene to scene at breakneck speed. It was not even that the story itself was rushed, but just the pacing in-between the scenes was mashed together. Just when you would understand what was happening… BAM… change scenes. It was enough to give you whiplash.

Whatever the case may be, it was still an interesting and entertaining story about life, love, family, freedom, and learning from your mistakes. It is not for everyone, but I would not say it is for no one.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Some foul language, Sexuality and some nudity, Adult theme

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, anime, movie, or novel you would like me to review.