'Sense And Sensibility' Review: An Absurdly Delightful Adaptation
Yet again, the work of author Jane Austen has been mined for the big screen in Georgia Oakley’s new adaptation of ‘Sense And Sensibility’. Thankfully, in Oakley’s capable hands, this adaptation is absurdly delightful and deeply romantic.
‘Sense And Sensibility’ centers on the Dashwood sisters Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles), the former fiercely protective and emotionally reserved and the latter a deeply passionate open book, as they navigate poverty and complicated courtships in 19th century England after the passing of their father. As they come to terms with their societal displacement, Elinor ignites a blossoming romance with Edward Ferrars (George MacKay) while Marianne has sparks fly with Willoughby (Frank Dillane), relationships that become increasingly more intense and heart-wrenching.
Adaptations of Jane Austen’s work have not only become commonplace, but are essentially a dime a dozen at this point. However, this adaptation of one of the author’s most beloved novels is one of the finest adaptations to date. Director Georgia Oakley has assembled a pitch-perfect cast here to fill out the colorful and eclectic characters that populate this story. Edgar-Jones is fantastic as Elinor, selling the transition from timid and emotionally guarded to passionate and outspoken deftly while delivering some of the most emotionally compelling work of her career thus far. MacKay is also terrific here as Edward, imbuing the character with plenty of charm, heart and likability that makes the budding romance between him and Elinor easy to become invested in. They set the screen ablaze with their chemistry, their scenes together some of the film’s most entertaining and emotionally charged.
However, this film truly belongs to Creed-Miles. Her work as Marianne is nothing short of remarkable, navigating the peaks and valleys of the character’s first bout of potent romance with effortless grace, becoming the emotional anchor of the film in the process. Her relationship with Elinor becomes the beating heart of the film, the close-knit sisters’ relationship put through the ringer as they both try to push through their complicated and emotionally challenging courtships. Though the main selling point of this story is the romance at its center, this is far more a tale of sisterhood than anything else, a facet beautifully explored throughout. Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles have wonderful chemistry on screen, able to make their relationship feel incredibly well-rounded and three-dimensional. Their scenes together are the finest in the film, providing a considerable amount of entertainment value and ample amounts of heart.
Oakley’s assured and thoughtful direction coupled with the film’s luscious cinematography from DP Arnaud Potier make this adaptation wholly enveloping and delightfully old fashioned. From the beautiful and sumptuous landscapes to the staggeringly beautiful production design and costume work, the atmosphere is beautifully immersive. Oakley’s direction never aims to be showy or self-indulgent, rightfully putting the focus on character as she lets Potier’s stellar work shine and enhance the story she’s telling passionately. It’s clear both of them are on the exact same page, neither aiming to draw attention away from Austen’s revered work for the sake of needless panache.
However, the film’s greatest strength lies in its faithfulness to the source material without trying to update it or imbue it with an edge to make it more palatable to modern audiences. Austen’s funny and heartfelt writing remains intact, this impressive cast delivering each and every line with the charm, heart and oomph it needs to leap off the page. Oakley and screenwriter Diana Reid know that Austen’s writing has a timeless accessibility that can work exceedingly well no matter when it’s adapted, allowing her work to sing and breathe on screen with very little deviations. As a result, this adaptation proves that Austen’s work can still pack a hefty emotional blow, especially when its in careful and passionate hands.
The only minor hindrance holding the film back is its pacing. Clocking in at over two hours, this adaptation can feel a bit too sluggish for its own good at times. Especially considering fans of the novel know where these characters and the overall story are headed, hitting the tale’s most iconic and beloved staples can occasionally take far too long, the momentum never as consistent or breezy as it could’ve been. Some scenes could’ve benefited from some trimming in the editing room in order to tighten up the film’s pacing, but thankfully this is an issue that isn’t difficult to overlook considering everything else the film brings to the table here.
‘Sense And Sensibility’ is a handsomely made and endlessly delightful adaptation that continues to prove why Austen’s work remains so timeless and ripe for adaptation. Oakley and her incredible cast know exactly what fans of the novel want and yearn for, never letting them down as they consistently rise to the occasion to do justice to the author’s work to make the heart swell. While one could certainly argue that there have been far too many adaptations of Austen’s work, it’s difficult to complain when audiences can get a version of her story this good.