Oakley’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ trades wit for moody realism

Key points

• The film is directed by Georgia Oakley, following her BAFTA-winning debut 'Blue Jean', and written by Diana Reid.
• Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Elinor Dashwood, while Esmé Creed-Miles takes on the role of Marianne, replacing Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet from the 1995 version.
• The cast includes George MacKay as Edward Ferrars, Frank Dillane as Willoughby, and Herbert Nordrum as Colonel Brandon.
• The film was released in the UK on September 25, 2026, with US and Australian releases following in October.
• Critics noted a significant shift in tone, describing the new version as 'sober' and 'downbeat' compared to the 'sugar-rush' finale of the 1995 film.

Background

This adaptation arrives during a period of renewed interest in Jane Austen’s works, following the 250th anniversary of her birth in 2025. Recent adaptations include various TV series and stage productions, but this is the first major theatrical film adaptation since Ang Lee’s 1995 version. The 1995 film, starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, is widely considered a benchmark for Austen adaptations, making any new version a difficult undertaking for critics and audiences alike.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian’s review describes the film as 'sober-minded' and 'austere,' noting that while the casting of the sisters is 'strange,' the overall mood is 'interesting.' The reviewer praises Fiona Shaw’s performance as Mrs. Jennings but criticizes Herbert Nordrum’s portrayal of Colonel Brandon as 'unengaged.' Variety’s review calls the film a 'moody, naturalistic spin' that is a 'solid undertaking' but 'slightly muted' compared to the 1995 classic. The reviewer highlights the 'earthy romanticism' and the 'quivering psychological realism' but notes that the film lacks the 'wit and comedy' of Austen’s original work. The Hollywood Reporter’s review is more critical, calling the film 'fine if not strictly necessary' and 'glum and glummer.' The reviewer argues that the film’s focus on the sisters' 'crushing disappointments' diminishes the stakes of their love stories and that the humor is often a casualty. All three reviews agree that the film is a competent but less engaging adaptation than the 1995 version, with mixed opinions on the casting choices and tone.

Why it matters

The release of a new 'Sense and Sensibility' adaptation highlights the enduring popularity of Jane Austen’s works and the challenge of reinterpreting a beloved classic. The mixed reviews suggest that while there is an appetite for new adaptations, audiences and critics may be resistant to significant departures from the established tone and style of previous versions. The film’s focus on emotional realism and naturalism may appeal to younger audiences, but its lack of wit and humor may alienate fans of the 1995 classic. The casting of Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles also signals a shift towards younger, more contemporary actors in period dramas, reflecting a broader trend in the industry.

What to watch

The film is currently in theaters in the UK, with US and Australian releases scheduled for October 2026. Box office performance and audience reception will be key indicators of the film’s success. Future adaptations of Austen’s works may continue to explore different tones and styles, but the 1995 'Sense and Sensibility' remains a benchmark that any new version must contend with. The film’s reception may also influence future casting decisions and the direction of period dramas in the industry.