Sense and Sensibility Review: Hallmark Takes a Chance and Succeeds
Hallmark ends Loveuary with a very solid adaptation of a Jane Austen classic. Hallmark and Mahogany’s Sense and Sensibility shows that the channel continues to evolve in the right direction.
The whole color-blind casting makes the production feel very PG Bridgerton in the best way. It’s glamorous, fun, and slightly cool.
It’s quite smart of the cable channel to only adapt one of Austen’s novels.
That could have been disastrous because it could have taken away some of the creativity of these films.
The other films’ uniquenesses keep the series fresh and enjoyable. These stories are new so you come into them without prior expectations or prejudices.
This decision also works for Sense and Sensibility because it builds anticipation.
Because these three fresh stories happen first, it amplifies the excitement. You want to see how Hallmark does with adapting this Austen story. Clearly, because of Hallmark’s likely limited budget and dedication to a tight run-time (thank you for that), it doesn’t have all the nuance and scenes from Sense and Sensibility.
At times it feels more like a summary of the important details than a complete adaptation. However, that’s what makes it work within the Hallmark frame.
It also doesn’t quite feel like a Hallmark movie but that adds to the impressiveness of the production.
Sense and Sensibility is close enough to the original story that it feels true to form but it doesn’t stray too far from Hallmark’s signature style. It shouldn’t alienate longtime fans.
By taking a break from formula to honor Austen’s original vision, the film, from a technical standpoint, becomes one of Hallmark’s most remarkable films. I cannot say how accurate or inaccurate the costumes are to the era, but they look very beautiful.
The makeup and wigs look good and you notice little background things like attention to detail with the paintings and such. The production team seemingly had a lot of fun with the construction of this.
It radiates in how everything looks and feels.
Additionally, because Sense and Sensibility takes place in a more conservative time, signs of attraction must work within restraint. However, the romance still pulls you in. I have read Sense and Sensibility and seen at least one other adaptation of it. I know the story.
Yet, I anxiously waited for Elinor and Edward to figure it all out and get together. The chemistry between Deborah Ayorinde and Dan Jeannotte deserves credit for making you root for them as they navigate their romance in polite society.
A subtle glance and a nearly impossible situation can really warm your heart to a pair.
Though, to me, An American in Austen is the best of the Loveuary Austen films, with Paging Mr. Darcy close behind, Sense and Sensibility may be the most exciting of the collection.
Not just because of its commitment to diversity, but because Hallmark takes a chance on adapting a classic, especially such a beloved and well-known novel.
Hallmark is no stranger to adaptations because they have adapted many romance novels and book series. However, this feels like the first time they made a film based on something so widely known.
The network and the team had pressure to execute something satisfying for Austen fans. They deliver.
It isn’t better than the 1995 Ang Lee version, nor does it attempt to reach that level, but the acting, costumes, settings, and changes (including a Black-led cast) make it a worthy addition to the Austen adaptation canon.
What did you think of Hallmark’s Sense and Sensibility? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Sense and Sensibility is available to stream on Peacock for a limited time.
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