We are in the midst of a true Jane Austen renaissance on screens big and small. Think: the 2020 “Emma,” the 2022 “Persuasion,” a recently announced limited series version of “Pride and Prejudice,” the extremely successful 20th anniversary re-release of Joe Wright’s film, and my personal current favorite spinoff, “The Other Bennet Sister.”
Also joining the fray this year: a brand new “Sense and Sensibility.”
The Focus Features adaptation stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and Esme Creed-Miles as her younger sister Marianne Dashwood. The rest of the previously announced cast includes George MacKay, “Outlander” actress Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, and Fiona Shaw. “Blue Jean” filmmaker Georgia Oakley directed the film from a script by bestselling author Diana Reid.
So, what makes this take on the material different than, say, the very well-regarded Ang Lee feature from 1995, which Emma Thompson both starred in and wrote?
Per a June 2025 announcement, “Originally published anonymously with the byline reading ‘By A Lady,’ Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ established her as a literary force and remains a cornerstone of English literature. The timeless exploration of restraint and passion follows sisters Elinor (Edgar-Jones) and Marianne Dashwood, opposites in their emotional approach, as they navigate love, loss, and financial uncertainty amid the societal expectations of 18th-century England. Celebrated for its wit, deep social insights, and enduring cultural relevance, the novel launched the bright career of one of history’s greatest authors.”
Today finally brings us the film’s first trailer, along with a more official logline that promises an “irresistible new take on Jane Austen’s iconic ‘Sense and Sensibility’: a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.”
The film’s first official trailer offers up a sweeping, dramatic look at the Dashwood life (like the highly relatable, ha, drama of being kicked out of their sprawling mansion), complete with plenty of longing and even a dash of mystery.
Oakley is known for both writing and directing her debut feature “Blue Jean,” which earned Oakley a BAFTA Award nomination for Outstanding Debut. Her debut, the bestseller “Love & Virtue,” won several book prizes, including the ABIA Book of the Year Award. Her second novel, “Seeing Other People,” was also a bestseller and was shortlisted for the Indie Award for Best Fiction. Her third book, “Signs of Damage,” was released to critical acclaim in March 2025.
Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films will produce “Sense and Sensibility” alongside India Flint of November Pictures and Jo Wallett.
Focus Features will release the film in theaters on Friday, October 16. Watch the first trailer below.
