Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in London, which serves as the main backdrop for the zombie-infested city. Key locations include Hingam Bridge, the only passage across the royal canal which becomes critical for the Bennet sisters' journey, and Lady Catherine De Bourgh's estate, where major confrontations occur.

• london
• hingam bridge
• lady catherine estate
• settings

The film is set in early 19th century England, during the Victorian era. This period is characterized by strict social hierarchies and cultural norms, now juxtaposed with a zombie apocalypse. The narrative also references 1768 as a historical event that adds depth to the story's context.

• 19th century
• victorian era
• historical period
• england

The empowerment theme centers on the Bennet sisters breaking away from conventional Victorian female roles by engaging directly in combat and decision-making. Through martial arts training, they embody bold femininity that challenges societal expectations. Elizabeth Bennet particularly emerges as a fierce protagonist who rejects submissiveness and fights both zombies and gender constraints.

• empowerment
• feminism
• bennet sisters
• martial arts
• victorian society

Survival is a central theme as the Bennet sisters train in martial arts to protect themselves from the zombie threat. Their skills and resilience are constantly tested amidst societal expectations, forcing them to balance tradition with personal courage. Elizabeth's journey represents the fight against both the undead and the constraints imposed on women in her society.

• survival
• zombies
• bennet sisters
• combat
• martial arts

Love intertwines with societal pressures and individual choice as Elizabeth navigates her feelings for Darcy and Wickham. Rejections are frequent, reflecting the characters' struggles to assert their desires in a world on the brink of chaos. Love ultimately becomes a motivator for bravery and defiance against oppressive social norms.

• love
• rejection
• darcy
• wickham
• romance
• relationships

Elizabeth Bennet is portrayed as headstrong, fiercely independent, and embodying both idealism and pragmatism required to survive a zombie-infested world. She is highly skilled in martial arts, allowing her to combat zombie threats directly. Her wit and resilience make her a compelling character who defies Victorian societal norms while navigating both undead attacks and complicated romantic relationships.

• elizabeth bennet
• protagonist
• warrior
• independence
• lily james

Colonel Darcy is portrayed as a stoic and highly skilled fighter, initially appearing cold but revealing depth through his growing attachment to Elizabeth. His expertise in zombie combat positions him as a protector in the chaotic world. His character evolves from aloofness to vulnerability as the story progresses, particularly regarding his romantic feelings for Elizabeth.

• darcy
• colonel darcy
• sam riley
• fighter
• protagonist

Jane Bennet is the sweet-natured eldest Bennet sister who embodies gentleness and charm. She becomes the object of Charles Bingley's affections and faces challenges with quiet strength. Her character illustrates the tension between societal expectations and personal desire, deepening her romantic storyline with Bingley amid the zombie apocalypse.

• jane bennet
• bella heathcote
• bingley
• gentle
• love interest

George Wickham is a charming yet duplicitous character whose dark past complicates his relationships with both Elizabeth and Darcy. Initially appealing and likable, his true intentions soon reveal a treacherous side as he manipulates events for personal gain. He serves as a foil to Darcy, highlighting themes of deceit and moral complexity in the story.

• wickham
• jack huston
• villain
• deceit
• foil

The film is a genre mashup combining action, thriller, horror, comedy, and romance elements. It takes the classic Regency-era setting of Jane Austen's novel and overlays a zombie apocalypse premise, creating a unique blend of period drama, undead horror, martial arts action, and romantic comedy.

• genre
• action
• horror
• comedy
• romance
• zombie mashup

The movie subverts Victorian gender expectations by having the Bennet sisters train as martial artists and actively fight zombies, roles traditionally reserved for men. Elizabeth particularly embodies empowerment by rejecting submissiveness and taking on leadership roles in survival situations. The film uses the zombie apocalypse as a backdrop to explore women's agency and challenges to patriarchal society.

• victorian
• gender roles
• feminism
• women agency
• society expectations