“Sense and Sensibility,” the timeless Jane Austen classic that traces the intertwined lives of two sisters caught between love, loss, and societal expectations, is returning to the silver screen. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, and directed by Georgia Oakley, this fresh adaptation promises a contemporary lens on a beloved story.
A Delicate Balance of Love, Reason, and Social Conformity
Austen’s debut novel delicately explores the fates of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood—two sisters navigating the opposing forces of reason and passion. Elinor, embodying restraint and rationality, stands in sharp contrast to the emotionally driven and impulsive Marianne. Through these characters, Austen paints a poignant portrait of human nature, revealing how maturity may lie not only in emotional restraint but perhaps also in the courage to surrender to passion.
This intricate emotional dance is at the heart of the story—and now brought to life anew.
Taking on the role of Elinor Dashwood is Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her compelling performances in Normal Peopleand Where the Crawdads Sing. Her quiet emotional intensity makes her a natural choice for Elinor. Opposite her, Esmé Creed-Miles steps into the role of the passionate Marianne Dashwood—a character once famously portrayed by Kate Winslet in the 1995 adaptation.
The film is helmed by Georgia Oakley, best known for Blue Jean, a nuanced portrait of identity and social repression set in 1980s England. Oakley’s cinematic voice, marked by grace and introspection, is well-suited to capturing Austen’s themes of class, gender, and unspoken desire. The screenplay is penned by Australian writer Diana Reid.
The Ongoing Cinematic Renaissance of Jane Austen
This adaptation joins a recent wave of Austen revivals, including the 2005 Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley, the 2020 Emma starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and the 2022 Persuasion featuring Dakota Johnson. These films continue to bridge classic literature with a modern sensibility.
Now, with Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles at the helm, Sense and Sensibility is poised to speak once again to both its 19th-century roots and 21st-century relevance—offering a new take on the eternal dance between head and heart.
