Diana Reid redefines Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility

Diana Reid redefines Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility

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Diana Reid’s new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, directed by Georgia Oakley, reimagines Jane Austen’s 1811 novel with a focus on the sisters’ bond and a darker, more visceral aesthetic, facing criticism over its departure from the 1995 Emma Thompson version.

Reimagining Austen’s Sisters

Diana Reid, the screenwriter behind Georgia Oakley’s 2026 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, redefined the novel’s core by centering the relationship between Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. The spine of the story was about how these two women depend on each other, challenge each other, and ultimately change each other, Reid said in an interview with The Guardian. This version emphasizes the sisters’ dynamic as equal co-protagonists, with Marianne portrayed not as a romantic caricature but as a complex figure grappling with societal expectations. The Guardian.

Sense and Sensibility | Official Trailer – HD

Reid’s approach faced scrutiny, particularly from British audiences who viewed Austen’s work as a cultural inheritance. In Britain, perhaps [Austen] is viewed as a piece of cultural inheritance and that there are worthy and unworthy successors, Reid noted. But I never thought of Jane Austen as a possession. The film’s Australian director and screenwriter sparked debate over their interpretation, though Reid argued that Austen’s adaptability is inherent: It is for everyone, and it’s still for everyone. The Guardian.

Balancing Period and Modern Aesthetics

Costume designer Grace Snell blended historical accuracy with modern flair, creating a slightly looser, more unbuttoned aesthetic that reflected the Dashwoods’ financial decline. We wanted the clothes to feel lived in, personal, and practical, Oakley explained in an interview with Focus Features. The film’s visual style diverged from the floral and bonnets escapism of past adaptations, opting for a drearier, more grounded look. Snell drew inspiration from 18th-century garments, resulting in a “timeless” yet period-appropriate wardrobe.

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Snell’s designs incorporated symbolic elements, such as the pink sash worn by Marianne, which carried subtle meaning tied to the character’s emotional journey. Town & Country.

The film’s costumes also highlighted the characters’ social standing. For instance, Mrs. Jennings inhabited a quite different visual world from the Dashwood sisters, with bold colors and patterns contrasting their more subdued, practical attire.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, from left: Esme Creed-Miles, Daisy Edgar-Jones, 2026. © Focus Features / Courtesy Everett Collection
Photo: Variety

Mixed Reactions from Critics

Critics were divided. While some praised the film’s emotional depth and focus on sisterhood, others felt it fell short of the 1995 adaptation. Conversely, Pajiba called it an exquisite, touching adaptation that captures the essence of the story while making it its own cinematic experience.

Box Office Challenges and Legacy

The 1995 Sense and Sensibility set a high bar for subsequent adaptations. Oakley’s version, released in October 2026, faced the challenge of standing out in a market saturated with Austen films. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s unique approach to the material and its focus on female agency may secure its place in the ongoing Austen legacy.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY – Official Trailer [HD] – Only In Theaters October 16

As Oakley reflected in an interview with Focus Features, Every generation finds its own Austen. The 2026 adaptation, with its emphasis on sisterhood and a more unpolished aesthetic, offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story—though how it will be received remains uncertain.

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