Cinema VinesDaisy Edgar‑Jones and Esme Creed‑Miles headline a fresh take on Jane Austen’s classic, bringing a modern focus on sisterhood and self‑discovery to the screen. The new film, titled Sense and Sensibility, was unveiled at its world premiere in London on Tuesday, with director Georgia Oakley explaining how the adaptation departs from the original text’s emphasis on Elinor as the ‘sense’ figure and Marianne as the ‘sensibility’ figure. Oakley said the sisters in this version learn from each other in a more symbiotic way, rather than simply being judged by society.
Oakley, who also co‑wrote the script with screenwriter Diana Reid, noted that the film follows Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they pursue their own romantic interests, with their contrasting views on love repeatedly testing their bond. The director praised the actors’ natural chemistry, describing Esme as a “singular person” that mirrors Marianne’s character, and Daisy as a poised, conscientious presence that “led the film.”
The cast also includes 15‑year‑old Bodhi Rae Breathnach, who plays the sisters’ younger sibling, Margaret. Breathnach, a breakout star from Hamnet, shared that the off‑screen friendship between Edgar‑Jones and Creed‑Miles felt like a real sibling relationship, saying she was grateful to have “those two” as her sisters. Norwegian actor Herbert Nordrum, who portrays Colonel Brandon, described his first experience on a British period drama set as “surreal and welcoming,” comparing it to being dropped into a national football team where everyone was passing him the ball.
Veteran actress Fiona Shaw, who previously appeared in the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion and will star in the upcoming Netflix Pride and Prejudice series, reflected on Austen’s enduring relevance. Shaw said the author “keeps drawing her back” because her work captures the complexity of human nature, noting that “she’s both forgiving and unforgiving, and she’s also celebrating life.”
The film’s global cinematic rollout begins on September 23, offering audiences worldwide a fresh perspective on Austen’s beloved tale. With its emphasis on sisterly bonds and personal growth, the new adaptation promises to resonate with contemporary viewers while honoring the spirit of the original novel.
