The Pursuit of Love review: Lily James pouts, struts and grumbles in this post-Bridgerton period bonkbuster

Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy From the first moments of The Pursuit of Love, it’s clear Bridgerton is going to cast a long shadow over this period bonkbuster. Rather than a loose “Regency” period, The Pursuit of Love, adapted from Nancy Mitford’s breakthrough novel, is mostly set in the years leading up to the Second World War. Linda’s eye is taken by Tony Kroesig, a central-casting young Bullingdon chin who is obviously bad news, set to be the first in a series of unhappy liaisons. Despite superficial differences, with its frank contemporary sexuality, abrupt comedy and elaborate set pieces, The Pursuit of Love feels like a post-Bridgerton work.