Discretion and Sensitivity (2026)

A new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility arrived in Slovenian cinemas on October 15. Directed by Georgia Oakley, the romantic drama stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as the Dashwood sisters. The cast also includes Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw. This release marks the first major screen version of the novel in three decades. The story follows Elinor and Marianne Dashwood through late eighteenth-century England. After their father dies, the family loses its estate due to inheritance laws favoring a son from a previous marriage. Forced into financial uncertainty, the sisters relocate to a modest cottage. They navigate love, loss, and societal expectations while balancing reason with emotion. Elinor embodies sensibility, remaining thoughtful and responsible, whereas Marianne represents sensuality, expressing her feelings openly and passionately. Both women face romantic disappointments and the challenge of finding suitable partners in a society where economic dependence often dictated marriage choices. Oakley, who previously directed Blue Jean, described herself as a long-time fan of Austen. She expressed excitement at telling the author’s story in her own way. The filmmakers focused heavily on the bond between the two sisters, highlighting themes of love at first sight. Critics noted that Oakley allowed actors considerable freedom to shape their roles. Reviews praised Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles for utilizing this latitude effectively. Fiona Shaw received acclaim for her portrayal of Mrs. Jennings. Performances by George MacKay as Edward Ferrars and Herbert Nordrum as Colonel Brandon were particularly highlighted for elevating the narrative. Comparisons to the 1995 film directed by Ang Lee are inevitable. That earlier version, which featured Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, is considered more grounded and aligned with Elinor’s perspective. The current adaptation is described as more dreamlike. The original novel was published in 1811 under the title By a Lady. It preceded Austen’s other classics, including Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion. The book has been adapted for stage, television, and film multiple times since its publication. Despite being written over two hundred years ago, the text continues to address relevant issues such as financial insecurity, family dynamics, and the tension between rational decision-making and emotional impulse. Austen used the narrative to critique the limited options available to women in her era. The film explores these enduring themes against the backdrop of early nineteenth-century social structures.