Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (2024)

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Susan Lawson-Reynolds, Deborah Ayorinde, Bethany Antonia, and Beth Angus as Mary, Elinor, Marianne, and Meg in ‘Sense and Sensibility’. (Photo courtesy of Seffon Hill/Hallmark Media.) ©2024 Hallmark Media

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Sense and Sensibility’.
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One particular type of story that can immediately bring about anxiety for an audience, is the adaptation of a timeless and classic story, and that anxiety exists… because that type of tale has brought forth sorrow before. Because unfortunately, not every adaptation of a classic hits the mark. For sometimes, the creatives behind it, try to reinvent the classic and put some twists into it that just don’t work, giving rise to a story that almost mocks the source material. Not to mention, sometimes… the adaptation in question, is a touch lifeless, and a by-the-numbers re-telling of a story that offers so much more than a collection of moments.  

All of which, makes us nervous about future adaptations. Because we want to see the story be given the proper respect it truly deserves. Thankfully though, our anxiety is sometimes assuaged when it comes to this type of story. Because not all adaptations are created equally, and there is something to be said about the ones that are faithful and passionate and capture the zeitgeist of the story. And the same goes for adaptations that not only pay tribute, but spotlight aspects of the story that haven’t been highlighted before, and perhaps… find a way to bring the story into modern times in a brilliant manner. If anything, our concerns about the quality of adaptations of classics and the need to celebrate the goods ones is top of mind today, simply because the Hallmark Channel is now home to one, that does a true classic, true justice.

For last night saw the debut of Sense and Sensibility, and well… let’s be honest. At first glance, knowing that you’re settling in for another take on Jane Austen’s timeless and classic story is the kind of thing to give one anxiety. For we’ve seen both sides of the coin when it comes to adaptations of this story, and immediately one must worry that what awaits, is a visually appealing but unremarkable adaptation of a book that has so much to it. But it does not take long for anyone that tunes in, to realize that this iteration of the story… offers an audience so much more. Thanks in large part to the fact that it is a trim and fast-paced iteration of the story. One that yes, follows the classic, but moves at a brisk pace that trims of some of the slower moments of the story, and with good reason.

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Akil Largie as Colonel Brandon in ‘Sense and Sensibility’. (Photo courtesy of Seffon Hill/Hallmark Media.) ©2024 Hallmark Media

Because in doing so, the story can instead focus upon… the elements of this story that are timeless and sadly relevant in 2024. Such as how men with money ruled the world then and rule the world now and at the advice of fools, mire others in struggle because of it. Not to mention, this particular version of the story showcases how… we’ve only made baby steps when it comes to women’s rights. For we get great focus on how the Dashwood women are pushed to be seen and never heard, despite having wants and desires that anyone else has in life, in a manner that feels a little too right now. Giving rise to real commentary on the need for equality, and the backwards views that are still prevalent in our world. Which yes, is something that was present in the book from day one, but has proper focus in this story, and the wonder of this adaptation doesn’t end there.
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For this is also a story, that does something very bold and very welcome. In that, the Dashwood women are in fact, Black. As is the majority of the main cast. A move that some will immediately deride and say doesn’t belong in the framework of any adaptation of this book, but those voices need to be ignored. Because going this route, updates the story like never before. Because it adds brilliant representation to a story that in the past, has featured little of that on the silver and small screen. Allowing for this story take on new life, for a new generation. Who can now see themselves in a story that all regard as a powerhouse tale about love, family, and our wants in life, and feel as though they are part of the story, feel as though their concerns in those arenas are real and recognized.

All of which makes, for one of the best adaptations of this story to date. Simply because, the fast-paced nature of the story, makes it accessible to all, and its focus on the central themes should start important conversations, and at long last… this is now a story for everyone. For now, it represents the world and not just one corner of history, and yet, there’s still more to praise when it comes to this refreshing journey. Since it also… is a feast for the eyes visually, with costumes and settings that simply pop off of the screen, and the performances here… are utterly sublime. Which makes this, an absolute must watch. Simply because, this is a revolutionary adaptation of revolutionary work, and we should genuinely celebrate it by experiencing its wonder.

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