The romantic comedy, directed by Joel Kim Booster and based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, stars Margaret Cho and Bowen Yang from Saturday Night Live.
So, it should go without saying that it’s amusing. However, the most memorable scenes in the Hulu Original aren’t even hilarious. Instead, when you leave the theater, you’ll remember the heartfelt and emotional things the characters said and did to each other.
These intimate ties, as well as Joel’s representation of LGBT friendships, drew director Andrew Ahn to the script, according to E! News. “I think a lot of people focus on the romance when they think of Pride and Prejudice,” he explained. However, I appreciate how Joel’s writing refocuses on Noah and Howie’s friendship—the chosen family that really matters.”
Andrew went on to say, “That feels particularly queer to me since, as gay people, we value our chosen family almost as much as our romantic connections.” That small shift in emphasis gives it a modern, fresh, and gay vibe. “
Of course, not everyone is skilled at meeting new people or building strong bonds, but Bowen remarked in a separate interview that his Fire Island character, Howie, is an excellent example. According to Bowen, “To avoid sounding like my character, I believe there is a vulnerability that fosters closeness and bonding.” When you put yourself out there to attract people to you, you begin to create these ties. “
Yes, it’s easier said than done, but Bowen is confident that there is someone out there for everyone because “we all need” a chosen family at some point.