There have been countless adaptations of Jane Austen’s iconic works across stage and screen and we’ve enjoyed a 21st century trend of period pieces that bring a contemporary edge to historical texts, whether it be vibrant pastel colouring or pop music soundtracks. Going against this wave of anachronism is director Georgia Oakley’s refreshingly stripped-back take on classic, Sense and Sensibility. The romantic drama follows sisters Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles) as they and their family are forced to leave their comfortable estate following the death of their estranged father. They move to a small cottage in Devon and the girls experience the highs and lows of first love as they encounter societal expectations and adjust to a new way of life.
Oakley expressed a flair for capturing time and place in her terrific 2022 debut Blue Jean, and she has furthered this craft with a faithfully imagined landscape of 1790s rural Britain. Taking an almost social-realist approach to the film’s unadorned style, the picturesque scenery is beautifully bathed in natural light, with cosy interiors captured in a candlelit sheen. Author-turned-screenwriter Diana Reid pens the time-honoured script, bringing the enduring emotions of the book to a new audience with an entertaining blend of wholesomeness and kindhearted humour – scenes with Fiona Shaw’s comically garrulous Mrs Jennings are particularly funny, her direct but well-intentioned commentary cutting through moments of deep melancholy.
A strong ensemble comes together to make up the cast with stellar support from George Mackay and Frank Dillane who serve as love interests for our protagonists. Stacy Martin is another standout as the brilliantly wicked sister-in-law, Fanny. The infectious spirit of the Dashwood clan is affectionately portrayed with excellent central turns from Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles. As much as the story focuses on Elinor and Marianne’s relationships, it’s just as much about the love between them; their differing personalities and romantic views collide and compel – their adolescent coming-of-age is sweetly balanced against their bond with youngest sister Margaret, impressively played by future star Bodhi Rae Breathnach.
A soul-stirring tale of sisterhood that marks a stunning sophomore effort from director Georgia Oakley, this adaptation of Sense and Sensibility refrains from the modern reliance on frills and flourishes to the costume drama genre. Instead, it gets right to the yearning, aching heart of the story – a life-affirming reminder of the timelessness of Austen’s novels.
