“Sense and Sensibility” Is a True Meeting of the Heart and Head

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Elinor, Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne, Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Margaret, and Caitríona Balfe as Mrs. Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility. Courtesy of Focus Features

After 31 years, Jane Austen’s first novel has graced the movie theater screens once again. Under the direction of Georgia Oakley, Sense and Sensibility retells Austen’s story of sisterhood, perspectives, and romance for today’s audience. The film has what you would expect from period piece—frames that look like they could be shot in a museum, instrumental music that flows and swells, and meticulously designed costumes. However, what set Oakley’s film apart from other is its story about sisterhood and how that relationship helps our two main characters grow as individuals.

Courtesy of Focus Features

Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, calm Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and passionate Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles). After tragedy strikes their family, the two girls’ viewpoints are put to the test in the face of romance and Regency society. Throughout the film, we see how the two sisters’ differing perspectives both benefit and limit them: Elinor’s sense makes her a sturdy figure for others to rely on, but it also causes her to stuff down her emotions and suffer them in silence; Marianne’s sensibility has helped her express herself and find joy in life, but it has also made her impulsive and a little self-absorbed. Though their characterization, the film ends up asking an age-old question—in life, is it better to lead with your heart or your head?

Margaret and Elinor with and Edward Ferrars (George MacKay). Alex Bailey

As an adaptation of classic literature, Sense and Sensibility manages to strike the right balance between staying true to Austen’s work, with lines and scenes pulled directly from the book, while at the same time expanding upon the source material. Relationships get more depth, like the one between Elinor and Edward (George MacKay). Secondary characters get more development, like Margaret Dashwood (Bodhi Rae Breathnach), who is given more of a personality beyond being the kid sister to the two main characters. There are some notable changes made to the story, but these changes don’t affect the message Austen was trying to convey all those years ago. They read more as a way to develop characters and relationships while also keeping the audience on their toes. If you are a stickler for accuracy, I might suggest the 1995 version of the film or the three-episode BBC TV series.

Courtesy of Focus Features

The only thing that felt lacking in the film was how it balances the multiple love stories. While Elinor and Edward take center stage as the main couple of the story, Marianne’s romantic relationships are notably toned down. Though all the story beats from the book are still there, they aren’t all given time to develop and breathe, making the storyline and the characters within them seem almost hallow. This didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the film, but it did leave me wanting more.

In the end, what makes Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility a noteworthy adaptation is the film’s ability to convey what makes the story special in the first place. It’s a story not so much about the transformative power of romance but about the transformative power of sisterhood.