Jane Austen’s world of high society and heartbreak is returning to the big screen. Focus Features debuted the first trailer for its new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility on Thursday, offering a first look at the latest cinematic take on the classic romance.
Directed by Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean) from a script by Diana Reid, the period drama stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as the Dashwood sisters navigating their family’s sudden financial downfall. Here is a breakdown of everything to know about the upcoming film.
THE CAST
The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as the Dashwood sisters, with Caitríona Balfe portraying their widowed mother, Mrs. Dashwood. Frank Dillane steps into the role of the charming John Willoughby, the love interest of Creed-Miles’ Marianne, while George MacKay plays Edward Ferrars, who falls for Edgar-Jones’ Elinor. Fiona Shaw rounds out the main cast as Mrs. Jennings, the well-meaning relative and matchmaker who takes the sisters under her wing in London.
THE PLOT
While the famous novel has seen multiple screen incarnations, this latest version from Focus Features and Working Title is being billed as a fresh take. The official logline describes the film as “a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.”
WHO’S BEHIND THE CAMERA?
Directed by Georgia Oakley, the film features a screenplay by Diana Reid, based on Jane Austen’s classic novel. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, India Flint, and Jo Wallett serve as producers, with Thea Paulett and Angela Moneke on board as executive producers.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY AWARDS HISTORY
The upcoming film is the latest in a series of adaptations, most notably Ang Lee’s definitive 1995 film version starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. That film racked up seven Oscar nominations — including Best Picture, Best Actress (Thompson), Best Supporting Actress (Winslet), Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Dramatic Score — with Thompson ultimately taking home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film also dominated the BAFTA Awards, securing Best Film alongside top acting honors for both Winslet and Thompson. Beyond the big screen, the classic story has been adapted into several television productions, most notably a six-part BBC series in 1981 and the three-part Emmy-nominated 2008 Masterpiece Classic miniseries starring Hattie Morahan and Dan Stevens.
WHEN CAN I WATCH IT?
Focus Features will release Sense and Sensibility in theaters on Oct. 16.
