A new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility arrives in UK cinemas this Friday, 25 September, with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles leading the cast as sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.
Directed by Georgia Oakley, the new film puts the complicated but loving relationship between the two sisters at the centre of Austen’s story. The screenplay was written by Australian novelist Diana Reid, who has retained much of Austen’s original dialogue rather than modernising the language.
What is Sense and Sensibility about?
Sense and Sensibility was Jane Austen’s first published novel. It appeared anonymously in three volumes in 1811, with the title page identifying the author only as “By a Lady”. The first edition of 750 copies sold out by July 1813, which led to a second edition later that year, and the novel has remained in print ever since.
After the death of Mr Dashwood, his widow and three daughters are left in reduced circumstances when Norland passes to his son from a previous marriage. They eventually leave the estate and move to Barton Cottage in Devon, offered to them by their relation Sir John Middleton.
At its heart are the very different personalities of sisters Elinor and Marianne as both encounter love, disappointment and the restrictions placed upon women of their position at the time. Elinor represents “sense”, initially appearing more controlled and pragmatic, while Marianne (sensibility) is more openly emotional and guided by romantic ideals. As the novel progresses, both sisters learn from the limitations of their respective outlooks. Their romantic lives drive much of the plot, but the relationship between the two sisters remains central to Austen’s story.
The novel has been adapted for the screen numerous times. The best-known film version remains Ang Lee’s acclaimed 1995 adaptation, starring Emma Thompson as Elinor, Kate Winslet as Marianne, Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars and Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon. Thompson also wrote the screenplay, which won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. More recent television versions include the 2008 BBC miniseries, starring Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield as the Dashwood sisters. The new 2026 film therefore follows a long tradition of bringing Austen’s first novel to the screen. Early coverage describes Oakley’s version as more naturalistic and earthy, with an emphasis on the sisters’ physical surroundings and relationship.
Watch the trailer
Who is the cast?
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood
Normal People star Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Elinor, the practical elder sister who develops feelings for Edward Ferrars.
This adaptation explores more of Elinor’s emotional side. Edgar-Jones describes her as a woman who feels deeply but has learned to control those feelings, rather than someone who is simply naturally reserved.
Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne Dashwood
Esmé Creed-Miles plays the passionate Marianne, whose romantic ideals make the charismatic John Willoughby particularly irresistible.
Creed-Miles previously worked with Edgar-Jones on the 2018 film Pond Life, so the actresses already have an existing friendship on which to build the sisters’ relationship.
George MacKay, Frank Dillane and Herbert Nordrum
George MacKay (1917) plays Edward Ferrars, who shares Elinor’s tendency to place duty and the feelings of others ahead of his own desires.
Frank Dillane plays Marianne’s adventurous first love, John Willoughby, while Norwegian actor Herbert Nordrum makes his English-language film debut as the quieter Colonel Brandon.
Caitríona Balfe and Fiona Shaw
Balfe’s Mrs Dashwood is presented as youthful and optimistic, with a romantic temperament that recalls Marianne’s. Bodhi Rae Breathnach (Shelter) plays her youngest daughter Margaret.
Fiona Shaw takes on one of Austen’s most entertaining comic characters, Mrs Jennings, the well-meaning busybody who takes an enthusiastic interest in the Dashwood sisters’ romantic lives.
Who made the new Sense and Sensibility?
Georgia Oakley, the BAFTA-nominated director of Blue Jean, directs from Diana Reid’s screenplay. The film was shot on 35mm by cinematographer Arnaud Potier, with production design by Francesca Di Mottola, costumes by Grace Snell and hair and makeup by Oscar winner Nadia Stacey (Cruella).
Composer Roger Goula has said that the score uses violin for Elinor and voice for Marianne..
Sense and Sensibility opens in UK cinemas on Friday, 25 September, followed by its US theatrical release on 16 October.
