Sense and Sensibility Review
A gorgeous, sumptuous and well-performed take on Austen’s work.
After the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters face being kicked out of their family home. Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones), always the more level headed of the three daughters, is intent to take it in her stride - but a blossoming romance, fraught with complications, with Edward Ferrars (George MacKay) threatens to derail her. Meanwhile, despite her desire to only give her heart to a great love, Marianne (Esme Creed-Miles) finds herself pulled between two suitors who couldn’t be more different.
Sense and Sensibility is a beautiful film. Director Georgia Oakley leans into the English countryside nature aspect of the piece, and the film sings with a deeply felt sense of place and purpose. There’s something wonderfully calming about the film, even while it sucks you into the period intrigue, heart-rending betrayals, and life-affirming romance.
Daisy Edgar-Jones is wonderful in the lead role, bringing a distinct British-ness to the whole affair that is ably matched by George MacKay. Together they form the perfect pair of understated, socially awkward and yet societally adept period players.
But it’s Esme Creed-Miles that really steals the show. She’s a whirlwind; headstrong, idealistic, independent and passionate, and above all completely enthralling. It’s a real statement of intent, a performance that will be sure to propel her career.
Overall, the film really sucks you in and engrosses you in the narrative it’s telling. Despite the familiarity of the story, it’s a film that is so fabulously wrought, so gorgeously rendered, that you can’t help but find it to feel fresh and wonderful. Every moment leaves you wanting more.
There’s something to be said about going back to the basics. About doing the classics well. And this adaptation not only does that, but also finds new pockets of interpretation to play in. It makes for an utterly rapturous time in the cinema.
