L. M. Montgomery’s 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables is more than a beloved classic. It’s warmly comforting and upliftingly funny, no matter how many times one returns to it. The 2017 adaptation, Anne With An E, expertly toes the line between wholesome and edgy. The plot follows the life of Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty) who gets adopted by Matthew (R. H. Thomson) and Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James) when she is mistakenly sent to their farm by her orphanage after they requested a boy.
Anne With An E retains the novel’s exuberantly romantic lens on the enchanting Avonlea landscape through impeccable cinematography. The series also gives treasured characters their due, be it Marilla’s dry wit or Matthew’s shy affection. Over the three seasons, Anne’s experiences at school and home explore a myriad of themes, from friendship and belonging to censorship and sexual assault. Creator Moira Walley-Beckett embellishes the novel and characters considerably: though it has divided critics’ responses, I consider it a brave endeavour to provide a fresh perspective. What is previously implied about Anne’s traumatic past is articulated. While the novel dismisses her as ‘having a temper’, McNulty’s performance highlights and justifies Anne’s rage. As she runs away into the countryside or screams in frustration, you understand her anger at the injustice she faces.
Anne With An E is also modern and in tune with contemporary ideas of social justice. It builds on the novel’s existing feminist premise of the value of girls. By challenging the expectations of period dramas, it gives the audience unexpected treats: whether it is the depiction of indigenous people and the terrible history of residential schools in Canada or the re-imagination of the elderly and disagreeable Josephine Barry as an openly queer woman. Despite the breadth of discourse, the narrative never feels muddled or incoherent.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The Netflix series has been unexpectedly cancelled after the third season. After extensively following the news for a whisper of a possibility of renewal, I have resigned myself to this unhappy ending. All I can do now is to recommend the show to others so they can be sad with me — so go watch it.
Anne With An E is available on Netflix and CBC.
