Sense and Sensibility (2026): cast, story, release date and box office

Sense and Sensibility (2026) is a period romantic drama film directed by Georgia Oakley, based on Jane Austen's 1811 novel. It stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw. The film was released in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2026 and in the United States on 16 October 2026.

The story follows the Dashwood sisters—Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret—and their mother, who face financial hardship after Mr. Dashwood's estate passes to their half-brother John Dashwood and his wife Fanny. Fanny convinces John to deny the sisters the inheritance his father suggested, and the family is uprooted. Edward Ferrars, Fanny's brother, develops a bond with Elinor, which troubles Fanny. Mrs. Jennings offers the sisters a cottage in Devonshire, where Marianne becomes interested in Colonel Brandon, though she finds him displeasing at first. Brandon, in turn, grows fond of Marianne. Marianne meets John Willoughby, who quickly captures her interest, but he abruptly leaves before proposing.

The sisters travel to London with Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton, and Lucy Steele. Lucy reveals to Elinor that she and Edward have been secretly engaged since childhood, as Edward’s parents arranged the match for her wealth. Edward confirms this, saying he honored the betrothal after she lost her fortune. Despite his disappointment, Elinor accepts the truth and agrees to keep the secret. Willoughby does not visit the Dashwood family in London or reply to any messages.

The film was produced by Working Title Films and Focus Features, with producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, India Flint, and Jo Wallett. It premiered at Leicester Square on 15 September 2026. The film has a runtime of 132 minutes and is rated PG. It received generally positive reviews, with 78% of critics' reviews on Rotten Tomatoes positive (average 7.1/10), and a Metacritic score of 73 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Robbie Collin of The Telegraph gave it 5 stars, calling it a 'wild and plangently beautiful successor' to Ang Lee's version. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian rated it 3 out of 5 stars.

The film's production involved Arnaud Potier as cinematographer, Francesca Di Mottola as production designer, Grace Snell as costume designer, and Izabella Curry as editor. Roger Goula composed the score. Principal photography began in the United Kingdom in June 2025.

As of October 14, 2026, the film earned a worldwide gross of $6.5 million. It is not listed on any streaming services, and availability varies by country. The film is available in theaters in the United Kingdom and the United States.