Jane Austen is perhaps so beloved, because of her uncanny ability to depict the complexity of the human spirit through the lives of her characters. And, more than two centuries after the publication of her classic popular novels, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, among others, readers and audiences still marvel at Austen’s keen ability to observe society.
To that end, the latest Focus Features movie adaptation of one of her literary classics, Sense and Sensibility, brings the Dashwood women front and center. While the onscreen chemistry of sisters Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones), Marianne (Esme Creed-Miles), and Margaret Dashwood (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) is quite delightful to witness, it is the male representation onscreen in this new adaptation directed by Georgia Oakley that is quite top-tier.
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The movie mostly holds true to the original narrative of Jane Austen’s classic novel, centering the romantic relationships of the Dashwood sisters Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum) and Edward Ferrars (George Mackay) as virtuous, selfless, and yearning men is quite refreshing. In our fast-paced society that negligently endorses “hook-up” culture, having many on the roster, and dating shows that curate love for the sake of entertainment, it was quite nice to see emotionally mature men express their love for the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Not only are both men restrained and in tune with their feelings, it’s almost Biblical how they were willing to put their feelings and desires aside for the sake of the women they longed for.
It’s as if Oakley’s use of earthiness and simplicity is also a metaphor for how grounded Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars are in their interactions with the Dashwood sisters. While modern audiences may definitely see the affections displayed by the men as traditional, old-fashioned, or outdated; I found beauty in the emotional security (and in some instances physical security) that both men were so eager to provide.
Colonel Brandon is a man of means, yet he does not use his money to manipulate or woo Marianne. On the contrary, he uses his resources to be an asset to others and bring them happiness. He’s not pushy or controlling in his interactions with Marianne, but rather watchful and protective in the best way possible. When Marianne is ill and in distress (as a result of Willoughby), he aims to be of service. To be succinct, he extends Marianne affection that is not self-serving, and is willing to wait and see if her heart will change towards him. In perhaps one of the most beautiful and sincere scenes in the movie, Colonel Brandon, with great vulnerability, asks Marianne if she could ever possibly love him the way she once thought she loved Willoughby. It was soft. It was gentle. And it was the type of expression of raw, open communication that this generation deserves to see more of.Related: This Beloved 2005 Romance Is a Sleepover Staple and Was Just Named the Best Jane Austen Adaptation of All Time
Edward Ferrars is smitten with Elinor. Yet, he is betrothed to someone else. And, because he’s a man of honor, he’s willing to marry said woman in order to honor his word. While circumstances change in favor of Elinor and Edward, Edward’s respectable and calm nature when interacting with her is so endearing. Edward is truly Elinor’s mirror: disciplined, loyal and reserved. And their silent yearning and attraction to one another is a study in the newest adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. On the surface, Edward seems boring, but his sense of morality and dignity are traits that are admirable. And it is to be noted that in one final scene, Elinor breaks free from her normally composed demeanor to run to Edward and let him know that she loves him. And there’s a message in this too. No matter how poised and well put together one may be as a woman, it is truly okay to embrace love and hold on to a good thing.
Perhaps what makes depictions of men like Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon onscreen so delightful is that it shows that men desire to be loved unconditionally just as much as women do. And, while women are traditionally held to higher virtues and standards when it comes to romantic relationships, Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility shows that men are virtuous, too. And, when men find a woman that they truly value, they will wait for them and persevere for the sake of love.
There’s an old adage that says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Here’s to seeing more of this type of love on our television screens.
Sense and Sensibility opened nationwide on Oct. 16, 2026.
Related: Netflix Drops First Look Images for Upcoming ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Adaptation – Premiere Date Announced
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