A new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility has entered theaters this week, drawing mixed reactions from critics and prompting discussions about its interpretation of the classic story. The adaptation, directed by Georgia Oakley and written by Diana Reid, stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as the sensible Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as the passionate Marianne Dashwood.
The film’s release follows its London premiere, where both actors reflected on the challenges and significance of reimagining Austen’s work. Edgar-Jones, known for her roles in Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing, and Creed-Miles, recognized for her work in Hanna, discussed the emotional weight of their characters during a post-premiere interview. Oakley, the director, described her goal as capturing the raw emotions of reading the novel as a teenager, emphasizing the sisters’ dynamic as the story’s core.
Critics have offered divergent assessments of the adaptation. While some praise its fresh approach, others argue it lacks the depth of prior versions. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film at 79%, reflecting a split in early reviews. The Telegraph awarded the film five stars, with critic Robbie Collins calling it “Austen with the bonnets blown off – and all the better for it.” Conversely, The Times’ Kevin Maher gave the film two stars, describing it as “emotionally flat, dramatically uneven, and bafflingly conventional.” The Daily Mail similarly noted a lack of critical acclaim, though it highlighted Edgar-Jones’ fashion choices during her promotional tour.
During a promotional event at FocusFest 2026, Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles addressed the film’s reception, with Edgar-Jones acknowledging the high expectations set by previous adaptations, including the 1995 version written by and starring Emma Thompson. Creed-Miles, who plays Marianne, admitted to initial nerves about the premiere but credited Edgar-Jones’ experience in handling high-profile events. Both actors emphasized their commitment to staying true to Austen’s themes while bringing a contemporary sensibility to the material.
The adaptation’s promotional campaign has also drawn attention, with Edgar-Jones adopting Regency-inspired fashion choices, including corset-style dresses and light-colored fabrics, during her appearances. Her outfits have been widely discussed in media coverage, though critics remain divided on whether the film itself matches the visual appeal of its marketing.