Following the death of their father, the three Dashwood sisters and their mother find themselves stripped of their comfortable lifestyle and forced to follow a new life trajectory. As the eldest daughter, Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones), keeps her emotions carefully concealed, while her younger sister, Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles), wears her heart on her sleeve, embracing love with an intensity that leaves her vulnerable to heartbreak. Their different approaches to romance provide the heart of the story in Sense and Sensibility, as both sisters discover that love rarely unfolds as neatly as they would like.
What makes this adaptation of Sense and Sensibility particularly special is the focus on the sisters’ relationship. While the film is awash in romantic pursuits, the sisters’ bond gives it its heart. Their differences never diminish their bond. Instead, they show us that there is no single way to experience heartbreak or find happiness.
Daisy Edgar-Jones is wonderful as Elinor, conveying the quiet devastation of a woman who feels deeply but believes she must remain outwardly composed. Her performance is full of subtle expressions and unspoken longings, making even the smallest glances feel significant. Esmé Creed-Miles is just as compelling as Marianne, bringing a spirited vulnerability to a character that has such a passionate nature. The two of them genuinely felt like sisters navigating life together, even when it doesn’t always work out in their favor. I adored the supporting cast, too. George MacKay brings a quiet sincerity to Edward Ferrars, and Frank Dillane gives Willoughby an intriguing mix of charisma and uncertainty. Another bright spot is Fiona Shaw, who is absolutely delightful as Mrs. Jennings. She injects some much-needed humor and liveliness whenever she appears.
Visually, the film is truly beautiful. The sweeping countryside, windswept landscapes, and gorgeous period costumes create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere that every Jane Austen film demands. It seems almost inevitable that people will compare Georgia Oakley’s adaptation to Ang Lee’s celebrated 1995 film, and I understand why because I found myself doing the same. But what makes this version so wonderful is that it doesn’t try to recreate Lee’s film. It embraces the messier aspects of the story and its characters, and it does so in a way that perfectly justifies its existence. Can we really have too much Jane Austen in the cinematic world?
I would say that if Sense and Sensibility has a weakness, it’s that Oakley sacrifices some of Austen’s delightful wit for a more subdued atmosphere. Occasionally the romantic tension loses a bit of momentum, but this is a minor quibble on my part. I still adored this film. Sense and Sensibility ultimately stays true to its source material and is a lovely reminder that everyone grows up and falls in love differently. The movie should satisfy die-hard Austen fans and delight any casual movie-goer looking for some angsty romance.
The official ScreenAge Newsletter has arrived! Subscribe to receive a semi-regular round-up of all our exclusive content, including reviews, editorials, Top 100 lists, and more! C'mon, we know you want to venture further into the Wasteland with us!
