Daisy Edgar-Jones leads a sober-minded next-gen do-over of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, a new adaptation that trades the sunny romanticism of the 1995 classic for a cooler, more ruminative tone. This version, with a fresh young cast, offers a starkly different take on the Dashwood sisters' financial and romantic crises.
A New Sense and Sensibility for a New Generation
There's no reason for anyone working on a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility to be intimidated by the celebrated 1995 movie by director Ang Lee and screenwriter Emma Thompson, any more than they should be overawed by Austen's original novel. Sacred cows are there to be reinvented. The decision to bring out a next-gen Sense and Sensibility, with a new young cast, might bemuse some, but this turns out to be a more downbeat, contemplative version, happening in much cloudier weather than 30 years ago and without the sugar-rush final wedding scene.
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as the Dashwood Sisters
The sisters at the heart of the story, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, played in 1995 by Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, are now played by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles. Frankly, they don't look and sound much like the sisters we thought we knew. They look like young women who knew each other reasonably well at uni and are now in a flatshare in London. It is a story of financial and romantic crisis. Mrs Dashwood and her three daughters, having happily occupied a handsome Sussex estate, are forced to downsize dramatically.
Comparing Adaptations: 1995 vs. 2025
How does this new Sense and Sensibility stack up against its predecessors? Here's a quick comparison:
| Aspect | 1995 Adaptation | 2025 Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Ang Lee | New visionary |
| Elinor Dashwood | Emma Thompson | Daisy Edgar-Jones |
| Marianne Dashwood | Kate Winslet | Esmé Creed-Miles |
| Tone | Romantic, warm | Sober, austere |
| Ending | Wedding celebration | No sugar-rush finale |
Key Takeaways from the New Sense and Sensibility
- Daisy Edgar-Jones brings a modern sensibility to Elinor Dashwood.
- The adaptation is more austere and thoughtful than previous versions.
- The casting of the sisters may surprise longtime Austen fans.
- The film avoids the traditional romantic climax.
- It offers a fresh perspective on Austen's classic novel.
FAQ
Who stars in the new Sense and Sensibility?
Who stars in the new Sense and Sensibility?
Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles plays Marianne Dashwood in this next-gen adaptation.
How does this adaptation differ from the 1995 film?
How does this adaptation differ from the 1995 film?
This version is more downbeat and ruminative, with cloudier weather and no sugar-rush final wedding scene. The mood is cooler, austere, and thoughtful.
Is the new Sense and Sensibility worth watching?
Is the new Sense and Sensibility worth watching?
For fans of Austen and period dramas, this fresh take offers an interesting, sober-minded reinterpretation that stands apart from previous adaptations.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of fly rod under, fly chest pack, backpacking fly rod, weight fly rods, and fly rods all time. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of travel fly rod, rain gear, fish finder money, fall bass lures, and travel rod. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.