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A Fresh Recency Era Romance Supported By Excellent Performances

Seeking Persephone is a 2026 Regency Era Romance written as a novel and for screen by Sarah Eden. It was directed by John Lyde who also produced, edited and served as cinematographer.

Brilliant performances are delivered by actress Ryann Bailey playing Persephone and actor Jake Stormoen who plays the role of Adam Boyce Duke of Kielder. Perhaps to its detriment, the film consists of four-43 minutes episodes with a total 172 minutes of runtime.

Unfolding in Falstone Castle in the wild northern lands of England the film makes use of an expansive and stunning estate complimented by convincing interior sets. Catholics cannot help but wonder which abbey of monks the estate once belonged. 

Although decidedly a chick flick, men also enjoy friendly banter between two characters as well as the storyline which is very much likened to the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. 

This film can be watched on Angel and was “approved by the Angel Guild”. Angel has become a powerhouse film distributor that has built trust with its audience by distributing movies that “amplify light”. 

Although a vague measure of a movie's worth, Angel films definitely follow a code similar to the Hays Code of bygone years. Angel films can be trusted to not include excessive violence, foul language, or sexual content. In this way, Angel has built trust with the faith-based audience despite not targeting them exclusively.

"Persephone Doesn't Get to be Happy"

In the interest of ensuring that a distant cousin does not inherit the estate, the manager of his business affairs convinces Adam to marry and to do so without delay. Persephone Lancaster is recommended to him as a prospective bride as many factors lend favorable to her accepting his proposal. He doesn’t even take the time to learn her name before meeting her at the altar.

Persephone accepts the offer with the resignation that her "family's happiness is worth every sacrifice." She does so so that her brothers and sisters will have financial stability and a chance at a better life. 

Adam is very disappointed to discover that his new bride is so lovely.

He never intended to fall in love with her and, as he is immediately in danger of doing so, he distances himself from her which increases her loneliness as she cannot understand why he thinks she is so “ridiculous”. 

Though there are tense exterior conflicts and moments of good natured banter, the real struggle in this film is Adam letting his guard down and opening his heart to his lovely bride.

"Dukes Don't Need People."

Jake Stormoen and Ryann Bailey in Seeking Persephone (2026)
Distributed by Angel

Adam's psychological wounds stem from his dysfunctional childhood and his only confidant is his friend Harry who seems to be a permanent fixture at Falstone Castle. Due to his congenial nature Harry is quick to make friends with the Duke’s bride.

Persephone's serious nature makes it difficult for her to simply accept her fate as “her grace” and she strives throughout the film to earn the affection of the Duke who has built a wall around his heart by repeating the mantra, “Dukes don’t need people.”

A Regency Era Film The Whole Family Will Enjoy

The film was made by a small cast and crew as revealed in the credits. With a production budget of $800,000 the only thing that made the film feel like an independent film was the lack of extras.

It being a TV series detracted a bit from the final product in my estimation. I would have preferred watching it as a feature. I am very impressed with the production quality at that size of a production budget.

Rating it at a 9.4/10 it has found its place among my favorite movies.

What Christian Audiences Should Know

Toby-Alexander Smith and Jake Stormoen in Seeking Persephone (2026)
Distributed by Angel

The kissing in the film can be passionate at times which may be an occasion of sin for some people.

Mary Bowen was funny when she said, “Cover your eyes,” to the children in the room. She continued, “It’s okay now you can watch the wide.” It made me laugh.

Adam is shown bare chested in a scene. I think we are very used to seeing men especially without shirts but it does make one wonder if that was really necessary. I thought about this a bit wondering why that scene was added.

I settled on the idea that the adrenaline had worn off after administering to Persephone. He was disturbed deeply by her injury and as he was washing his hands in a fit of horror at his own vulnerability accompanied by the thought of losing her, he wipes the blood on his shirt, then tears the shirt off to get away from the thought that the blood represents. So maybe this was important, but it was still a little awkward.

Congratulations to the filmmakers for Persephone’s modesty as her attire perfectly reflected her inner beauty.

“Hades always came for Persephone and she always returned home.”

Ryann Bailey and Jake Stormoen in Seeking Persephone (2026)
Distributed by Angel

I found it much better than many of the Jane Austen film adaptations. This film focused on one couple and it was easy to watch and follow along, but not at all tedious or predictable.

There were elements of suspense and humor as well as some exposure to Greek myths that unite Western culture. One did not have to know the Hades and Persephone myth to appreciate the film. It also had a Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast fairytale storyline.

The reason I loved this movie is for the truly satisfying and clean romance. It’s just shy of genius to put together a Regency Era romance combined with a Greek Myth and a Grimm Fairytale vibe.

It came together in an impressive way as it touches the heart and the mind.

A Family Romance with a Deeper Message

Although the Beast is transformed in the end by Beauty, the thought that lingers is how the feminine virtues possessed by Persephone thaw Adam's heart.

In a world where women are not often shown examples of feminine virtue the author and screenwriter Sarah Eden does this for us.

Eden’s Persephone is patient yet witty, meek yet not mousy, and loving without asking for anything in return. She shows no vanity but only selfless love and kindness.

Many people are afflicted by phycological wounds but Christ wants to heal us. Matrimony is the sacrament that Christ instituted so that man and woman can sanctify one another. During a time when matrimony is under attack Angel brings us a movie that amplifies the light of Proverbs 31:10 showing audiences that a good wife’s value is beyond measure.

I liked Adam and found him to be relatable and, while it was satisfying to see him overcome his interior battle, Persephone ended up being the dragon slayer and the true heroine.

The film demonstrates that if feminine virtues are cultivated and encouraged we can regain stability in civil society the way Persephone helped the Duke reclaim his own nobility of spirit. That is why it has earned a place among my favorite films.

What Did You Think?

Ryann Bailey in Seeking Persephone (2026)
Distributed by Angel

Have you seen Seeking Persephone? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

• What was your favorite scene?
• Was there a particular theme or moment that stayed with you after the credits rolled?
• Which character did you relate to the most—Adam, Persephone, Harry, or someone else?

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