The first trailer for a new cinematic adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" has been released, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood. The film, directed by Georgia Oakley, also features Esmé Creed-Miles as Elinor's sister Marianne, Caitríona Balfe as Mrs. Dashwood, George MacKay as Edward Ferrars, and Frank Dillane as Mr. Willoughby. Bodhi Rae Breathnach, a 14-year-old rising star, plays the third Dashwood sister.
The trailer follows the story of the three Dashwood sisters and their mother, who are forced to leave their estate, Norland Park, after the death of their father. They relocate to a modest cottage in Devon, where they experience life on the fringes of society and encounter new suitors.
Director Oakley emphasized a commitment to historical accuracy in the film's visuals. "It was really important to me to feel like we're watching a story about human beings, and we can actually feel what it was like to live in the houses that they lived in—irrespective of whether we're talking about a moldy cottage on the edge of the sea or a huge, palatial country house," Oakley told Vogue. She expressed frustration with what she called the "fetishization" of historical periods, stating, "I'm a little bit sick of the sort of fetishization of that time period, and this idea that everybody spent, like, seven hours doing their hair and makeup, and everything was always pristine... I'm not a historian, but I don't buy all of it."
Oakley also focused on the age differences between characters, casting Caitríona Balfe as Mrs. Dashwood, who is not significantly older than the actresses playing her daughters. This casting choice, according to the director, felt "more historically accurate."
The adaptation comes amid a recent resurgence of Jane Austen's works on screen, including Dakota Johnson in a 2022 version of "Persuasion" and an upcoming Netflix series adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" by writer Dolly Alderton. Earlier this year, Margot Robbie starred in "Wuthering Heights." The producing team behind this "Sense and Sensibility" adaptation also produced the acclaimed 2005 film version of "Pride and Prejudice."
Fans have responded positively to the trailer, with comments expressing excitement about the cast and anticipation for the film. "Sense and Sensibility" is scheduled for release in cinemas on September 25.