The well-bred take on the undead in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

It’s not unusual for writers and filmmakers to modernize a classic work of literature. West Side Story rewrote Romeo and Juliet into the vernacular of 1950’s New York City—to the tune of 10 Oscars, no less. Working pop culture’s obsession with undead brain-eaters into one of Jane Austen’s best-loved novels, however, seems like a recipe for disaster. But Pride and Prejudice and Zombies delivers a solid dose of source material as well as creative twists on established zombie movie “rules,”making for surprisingly fun entertainment.

For those who consider Jane Austen and zombies entertainment.

Most zombie stories begin with the outbreak of a bizarre plague, followed by human panicking and zombie picnicking. The survivors then hide or fight back. But Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, after a brief explanatory background, takes place in a context where co-existing with zombies has long been the status quo.

The human population has dwindled after decades of warring against unorganized zombie masses. Most survivors live in London, surrounded by a 100-foot-high wall and a deep moat. A few others live in heavily fortified country estates. The five refined Bennett sisters have grown up in late 18th century Britain not only playing the pianoforte but, like everyone else, training in Asian martial arts and weapons handling.

Here’s the twist: After waking from the dead, zombies don’t immediately go on a feeding frenzy. Those who died without noticeable injury are difficult to recognize. They can talk, show a degree of self-control, and some even attend church—by name of St. Lazarus, of course. But once they taste human flesh, their transformation into vicious carnivores accelerates.

In addition to the fresh take on zombie sociology, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (rated PG-13 for zombie violence and action, and brief suggestive material) re-imagines Austen’s brittle Lady Catherine de Bourgh (fittingly, Lena Headey from Game of Thrones) as a warrior and makes a richer investment in Mr. Wickham’s (Jack Huston) treachery. The result, which includes a number of scenes borrowed from the superb 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, is a cleverly crafted mash-up.

But an hour and 45 minutes is scant time to squeeze it all in. Despite admirable conformity to Austen’s original blueprint, the film’s rush through the novel’s storyline and lack of chemistry between Elizabeth (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) might cause literary snobs to turn up their noses. On the other hand, die-hard zombie-philes might gnash their teeth at the preponderance—as a word count on the film’s title hints—of rehashed Jane over bashed brain. Still, many moviegoers will find Pride and Prejudice and Zombies entertaining.

And educational. For if Jane Austen is turning over in her grave, moviegoers will know how to deal with her should she crawl out.