Sense and Sensibility returns with a fresh take on Jane Austen’s classic

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles star as the Dashwood sisters in a charming new adaptation, in South African cinemas from 16 October

One of literature’s most beloved stories of love, family and sisterhood returns to the big screen this month. From Focus Features and Working Title comes an irresistible new take on Jane Austen’s iconic Sense and Sensibility, a charming, witty and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles. The film will open in South African cinemas nationwide on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFBzrqCp01Q

After her husband’s demise, the widowed Mrs Dashwood and her three unmarried daughters find themselves in desperate straits. Their family estate, Norland Park, has passed to the closest male relative, Mr Dashwood’s son from a previous marriage, John, leaving Mrs Dashwood and Elinor, Marianne and Margaret with no choice but to relocate to the modest Barton Cottage some distance away.

The move is especially painful for eldest daughter Elinor, who, in spite of herself, has developed feelings for the handsome, stoic Edward Ferrars, John Dashwood’s brother-in-law, who had recently come to visit his relatives at Norland. Marianne does her best to console her sister, but her own life takes a surprising turn after an unexpected encounter with dashing bachelor John Willoughby. Although the pair fall madly in love, Elinor worries that Marianne is too cavalier with her affections, overlooking the upstanding Colonel Brandon, who appears to be entirely devoted to her sister. Navigating love, loss and societal expectations, logical Elinor and passionate Marianne frequently clash as only siblings can, yet their unshakable bond sees them through the whirlwind of relocation, romance, heartbreak and, ultimately, hope for a happy future.

Endearing, entertaining and wildly cinematic, Sense and Sensibility stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, with George MacKay and Fiona Shaw.

Based on the novel by Jane Austen and adapted for the screen by Diana Reid, the film is directed by Georgia Oakley. Sense and Sensibility is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, India Flint and Jo Wallett.