Hallmark’s Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen with a Fairytale Flair and Romanclusivity

There’s a continued allure to Jane Austen’s romances that is undeniably magnetic. Austen’s works have a relatable quality that keeps us coming back from the wit to the social commentary, from the bittersweet swoon-worthy romances to the sharp-edged satire. The newest Sense and Sensibility from Hallmark weaves the enchantment of Jane Austen’s storytelling with the modern remixes of shows like Bridgerton and films such as Mr. Malcolm’s List and the 1997 Cinderella. This continued wave of inclusive casting in historical romances might be ready for its own sub-genre, especially since each entry resonates with narrative depth and stylistic innovation. Can we call it: romanclusivity©?

Before I tell you more, the various tropes for this new sub-genre are already established. Sense and Sensibility (2024) continues with a Bridgerton inspiration by featuring anachronistic love songs to underscore falling out or into love. Chamber music versions of tracks like “Weak” by SWV and Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose” are integrated into the Regency era. Providing a contemporary R&B twist that enriches the story of the Black-British Dashwood sisters. There’s also a reference to beloved poet Phillis Wheatley, reflecting the infusion of historical fact into these stories.

In line with the fairytale-like approach of Mr. Malcolm’s List, and the historical-ish Cinderella, this version of Sense and Sensibility eschews depictions of racism, focusing instead on the class discrimination that is central to Austen’s narratives—a theme thoroughly and recently examined in the film Origin and its source material, Caste. This choice, combined with the centering of Black actors and the casting of a South Asian one, heightens the universality of Austen but also the power that classism still holds over us today.

In Sense and Sensibility, we follow the tale of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Deborah Ayorinde) and Marianne (Bethany Antonia), as they face a tumultuous future following their father’s death. Their sudden loss of status and fortune thrusts them into a world where their sensibilities and good sense are tested. Elinor, the embodiment of sense, grapples with her secret affection for Edward Ferrars (Dan Jeannotte). At the same time, the impulsive and passionate Marianne, who represents sensibility, finds herself torn between the dashing John Willoughby (Victor Hugo) and the stoic Colonel Brandon (Akil Largie).

This film has the quality of illustrations lifted off the pages of a book of fairytales. The characters are flawless, the costuming is vivid whimsy flirting on the fantastical, and the storytelling carries the harder edges of heartache too. Ultimately, the new Sense and Sensibility is a romantic weekend treat: quick, well-made, and tasty. It’s a sweet addition to the historical ‘romanclusivity’* trend that adapts Jane Austen with love.

On the Hallmark Channel, this Saturday, Feb 24 at 8PM ET, executive producer Toni Judkins brings us a Sense and Sensibility that delivers on multicultural historical romance and fairytale inspirations. The resulting storybook offers a new take on the Dashwood sisters’ journey through love, loss, and self-discovery.

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