SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

Sense and Sensibility is a stunning adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel that never short sells the yearnful romance and while finding a new emotional depth to the timeless story not previously tapped into by previous adaptations thanks to the Diana Reid’s screenplay, that when paired with the powerful performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles and George MacKay, allows Georgia Oakley to deliver one of the finest Austen adaptations to date!

Jane Austen still today remains one of the most influential writers of all time, with her novels still selling millions of copies worldwide. Adaptations to the screen, both big and small, and the stage of her works have never stopped, with her two most popular novels being remade once again this year. Hailing from producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, two of the producers behind the beloved Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden starring Pride & Prejudice, they have now turned their eyes to Sense and Sensibility, delivering the first big screen adaptation of the novel in over thirty years, with the last iteration of this novel starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant in 1995. Under the talented direction of Georgia Oakley, the first female director ever to helm an Austen adaptation, and led by the incredible performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles and George MacKay, Austen’s timeless story comes to glorious life on the big screen for a new generation to fall in love with the Dashwood sisters in this soaring tale of love, family and sisterhood that is gorgeously shot, beautifully written and emotionally satisfying in every way imaginable.

Audiences have seen the Sense and Sensibility story told time and time again on screen, and screenwriter Diana Reid knows this. Forgoing the elegance of other Austen adaptations, Reid strips the timeless story down to its base emotions and mines them to bring a raw and intimate passion to the story of Eleanor and Marianne Dashwood. At the centre of her screenplay is the relationship between the Dashwood women, largely the sisterhood of Eleanor and Marianne, bonding the audience to these characters as they laugh and feel every ounce of heartbreak and soaring joy alongside them while exploring themes of passion and restraint. In doing so, some of the most notable lines and moments of Austen’s novel pack a heavier punch than in previous adaptations, delivering the grand big screen retelling of Sense and Sensibility that the millions of fans of her novel want to see. Yes, there are some small changes to how the story plays out and additions that help enhance some of the film’s biggest moments and the emotional drama of the love lives of the Dashwood sisters, but they never stray far from Austen’s story and only amplify the sweeping romance of this adaptation.

Within the first few scenes of Oakley’s film, it is clear that this iteration of Sense and Sensibility draws inspiration from Joe Wright’s revered adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Filled with shots of the English countryside and close ups of its wildlife and fauna that feels Terrence Malick-esque at times, Arnaud Potier’s cinematography captures the natural beauty of the filming locations that is never short on warmth thanks to being shot on 35mm film stock that gives a richness to the film’s visual presentation. The costuming is excellent as Grace Snell effortlessly recreates the time period and highlights differences in social rankings between the Dashwoods and the other characters. Each set matches the natural earthly framing of the film, forgoing the traditional stately appearance that Austen adaptations often have and finds a more humbling world for the story to unfold in, while Roger Goula’s musical score heightens every emotion of the performances and dialogue to have audiences’ hearts soaring during the film’s most pivotal moments. All under the direction of Oakley who uses these artistic choices to enhance Reid’s screenplay and give her actors the most lived in 19th century world to build their characters in, it's an adaptation that ensnares all of the senses thanks to its technical mastery on every front that proves Oakley is an exciting filmmaker whose talents are endless.

As good as the writing and direction of the film are, romantic dramas are made or broken based on the performances of the cast. Thankfully Oakley has assembled a masterful cast that not only breathes new life into Austen’s unforgettable characters, but deliver outstanding performances across the board that bewitch the body and soul. Edgar-Jones was born to be an Austen leading lady and beautifully captures the honourable and passionate Eleanor. Warm and restrained when required, then bearing Eleanor’s soul with the utmost vulnerability as she reckons with her loneliness as she constantly chooses other’s happiness over her own, Edgar-Jones shines in one of her best performances to date. Creed-Miller has a true breakout moment as Marianne, capturing the spirited middle Dashwood daughter with a fiery liveliness that makes her an undeniable presence whenever she is on screen, playing into the passionate personality of Marianne. While burning bright as she lives life and searches for love, Creed-Miller also finds a gut wrenching despair within Marianne when her character learns the unkind truths of the world, confirming her status as an actress whose career demands to be watched going forward. Caitríona Balfe captures the panic within Mrs. Dashwood as she adjusts to life as a widow trying to ensure her daughters’ futures but infuses it with a caring tenderness that prevents the character from being undone by her grief and circumstances, while a pitch perfect Fiona Shaw makes Mrs. Jennings a comedic force to be reckoned with that you will never tire of.

Edward Ferraras. Colonel Brandon. John Willoughby. The three suitors of Sense and Sensibility, and each of the actors tackling these iconic characters is more than up for the task. MacKay gives this generation a new heartthrob to swoon over as Edward with his chivalrous persona that is ever restrained yet affectionate, while also bearing his heart and soul to devastating effect as Edward falls victim to his word and honour. Whether it be a quiet moment like when he slumps in his seat at the art gallery that emotionally devastates viewers with a simple movement and heartbroken facial expression, or the tender moments of slight physical connection with Edgar-Jones, MacKay transforms into the perfect leading man for an Austen adaptation. His chemistry with Edgar-Jones is instantly passionate and overwhelming, ensuring that even when their two characters aren’t together on screen, that the love between them is always simmering just below the film’s surface. Herbert Nordrum’s strong, silent and observant performance as Colonel Brandon creates a true gentleman while feeling perfectly at home in the world of Austen. And while you love to have the character with all your heart, there is no denying that Frank Dillane is everything that John Willoughby is meant to be, crafting a vibrant yet despicable shell of a man that rightfully pales in comparison to the lofty ideals of Edward and Colonel Brandon.

There is no question that Georgia Oakley’s film won't be the last adaptation of Sense and Sensibility as it will undoubtedly be remade within a decade or two, but there is no doubt that her adaptation will rank among the best Jane Austen adaptations of all time. Passionately told to deliver epic romance, devastating heartbreak, and every emotion of life that comes in between with stunning visuals, beautiful production design, and an outstanding cast, audiences are set to fall in love all over again with Eleanor and Marianne Dashwood. Exquisitely crafted to give Jane Austen’s story a soaring cinematic adaptation and written to evoke every emotion to ensure audience’s heartstrings and never not being tugged on, Georgia Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility is a grand adaptation thanks to her naturalistic approach to the beloved story that allows the performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles and George MacKay to take the timeless material to new emotional heights!