Sense and Sensibility Movie Review

Released: 25th Septemner 2026

Length: 132 Minutes

Certificate: U

Director: Georgia Oakley

Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, Fiona Shaw, Stacy Martin & Tom Brooke

Sense and Sensibility, one of Jane Austen’s best-known stories, has been adapted many times through the decades; most notably as a 1995 classic and then a 2008 mini-series. Newcomer director Georgia Oakley has produced a third rendition; it’s an admirable production that sits below its superior predecessors.

Set in the late 1700s and beginning shortly after the passing of Henry Dashwood, his family moves to the lowly Barton Cottage in Devonshire. Mrs Dashwood (Caitríona Balfe) and her two daughters Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles) settle in well enough, but they soon face challenges both at home and in high society. Initially, the film does cut out the opening sections, aiming to focus squarely on the Dashwood sisters and their search for a loving partner. The plot is split into conversations, contemplation in the long grass and unexpected encounters. It’s very familiar territory for fans of the genre, but this version of Sense and Sensibility nails the important themes. Social class, status and proprietary play major roles, especially when the women journey to London to find their suitors with unexpected and often damning results. The film provides many opportunities for the audience to empathise with the family, though their bonds with others aren’t as developed as they could have been. The ending is rather abrupt as well, not quite following through on inner feelings and leaving out a full conclusion for Marianne. For the most part, Sense and Sensibility stays close to the source material, but some moments from the book could have been incorporated better.

Performances are crucial in any historical drama and the two leads are Daisy and Esmé do a great job throughout. Between their sisterly affections and deep-held frustrations, they convey so much emotion at every turn. Caitríona Balfe complements both of them in every scene; we always see the great care Mrs Lockwood has for her daughters. On the way through, Stacy Martin and Tom Brooke inject a lot of personality and wit into the story. Every time they’re on screen they command your attention with jolly, humorous dialogue. While the main cast is always on top form, some of the side characters outside of the Dashwoods aren’t as memorable. Frank Dillane has some charisma as John Willoughby, but he is pushed into the background over time. George Mackay and Herbert Nordrum turn in reasonable performances as Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon. Outside of their earnest interactions, they needed more screen time and material to make an impact. The main actors are on solid form in Sense and Sensibility, even if the side characters do fall short in places.

Like other British dramas, Sense and Sensibility bursts with the rich sights and sounds of the countryside alongside the streets of London. From a long beach to the lavish banquets of an evening party, there’s no faulting the lighting, atmosphere and tone; Arnaud Potier does a great job framing the scenes. The costume and set designs are also splendid; the production hasn’t skimped on the authenticity. Austen adaptations rarely stray from this style, often using the weather to enhance the mood. The soundtrack by Roger Goula stands out the most, a very beautiful and serene composition that always punctuates the more emotional moments. Everything here is well-crafted and fully in tune with the story.

While it doesn’t match other period piece contemporaries, Sense & Sensibility works well enough as both an adaptation and a historical drama. The main performances and wider presentation are solid. It has trouble distinguishing itself from previous efforts and leaves out some sections of the novel, but most audiences will still be firmly engrossed.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Good)