Have you been looking for that warm feeling in a romance? To feel the butterflies in your stomach, the genuine love, laughter, and tears? Well, if you have, let me introduce you to a 215-year-old story that holds all these feelings.
215 years ago, a novel titled Sense and Sensibility was published anonymously as “By a Lady.” That lady was none other than the beloved Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility became her debut novel and was only the beginning of what we would come to love. After more than two centuries, the story continues to grab attention. This October, it returned to the big screen. Â
Sense and Sensibility follows the lives of the two Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, after their father’s death. They navigate hardships and trials alongside their own love stories. This story ultimately revolves around the themes of sisterhood, heartbreak, and love. These complex emotions and characters can make the story difficult to recreate on film. Yet this year’s adaptation did just that. From the casting to the visuals to the chemistry between the characters, it captured everything that makes Jane Austen’s novel special.
Elinor, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Marianne, played by Esmé Creed-Miles, created a beautiful portrayal of sisterhood. They embodied the difference between sense and sensibility. Elinor is more reasonable, while Marianne is more passionate and emotional. Despite their differences, their conversations, whether filled with banter, arguments or laughter, make the film feel so much more genuine. But of course, I can’t forget to mention the good stuff: the romance! The chemistry between Elinor and Edward Ferrars (George MacKay) is immaculate. The development of their friendship and love feels natural and genuine, which makes the film all the better. Esmé Creed-Miles brings the same energy to Marianne’s relationships, but I’ll leave those details for you to discover.
Beyond the performances, the cherry on top of the film is its beautiful scenery and setting. From the charming cottages to the countryside and animals scattered throughout the scenes, every detail contributed to the warmth and wholesomeness that make a Jane Austen adaptation unique. The film transports the audience to a peaceful, dreamlike place. Adding to the atmosphere is the film’s music, which brings back the same romantic feelings audiences experienced while watching the 2005 Pride & Prejudice. It delivers the emotions, nostalgia and vibe many have been hoping to experience again since Pride & Prejudice first captured their hearts. It allows audiences to feel what they felt when they first saw Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. So, for those who have posed the question, “Does it live up to the hype?” I’m here to tell you: yes, yes, it does.
This year’s Sense and Sensibility might just be the fall movie of the year, and that’s how good it is. It’s my 10/10 movie of the year, and I know it can be yours too! Grab your best friend, sister, or mom and head to your nearest theater to experience this beloved classic brought to life once again.