Hallmark Mahogany’s Sense and Sensibility 2024 is an eye-catching and enjoyable adaptation that largely remains true to Jane Austen’s work. It is short and sweet and undeniably beautiful. Viewers who approach the film with the perspective that it is, after all, a “Hallmark movie” will pleasantly discover that it is much more.
Making a Jane Austen adaptation set in a period is not an easy task. Audience expectations are even higher for a novel that already has well-loved film and TV versions. Many viewers will measure any new Sense and Sensibility against their favorite existing adaptation, whether the one studded with A-list stars or the one with the luxury of abundant runtime. And, though such reactions make little sense, Mahogany’s casting of Black actors in most of the primary roles will run counter to self-appointed purists’ sensibilities.
Despite these obstacles, Sense and Sensibility 2024 succeeds in many respects. It is worth watching for its visual appeal alone. Flyover views of gorgeous landscapes, along with shots of stately manor houses, horse-drawn carriages, promenades and picnics, provide lush outdoor settings. The interior set design is tasteful and luxurious, with numerous nods to the long history of Black people in Europe. Barton Cottage is, in fact, so nice that viewers might not fully appreciate the cruelty of the Dashwoods’ reduced circumstances (even if this depiction is arguably more consistent with the novel). Kara Saun’s costumes for the female characters are bold and elaborate. The hair design for the London assembly is absolutely stunning.
The abridged narrative in Sense and Sensibility 2024 manages to include most of the major points of the novel. Viewers who know the story will, however, notice various omissions and changes. Many of these choices represent necessary streamlining for the 85-minute runtime. Other changes make certain plots more palatable for Hallmark’s core audience. For example, the film virtually ignores the large age gap between Marianne and Colonel Brandon. Instead, rumor and misunderstanding create an obstacle that is easier to resolve. We get similar moral simplification with Mrs. Ferrars becoming Edward’s (wicked) stepmother instead of his mother, which avoids the need for a Hallmark-style family reconciliation. Since this change allows for casting Carlyss Peer as a perfectly haughty Fanny Dashwood, it’s hard to grumble about it.
Even with these changes and a generous allowance for Hallmark magic, the Marianne-Brandon storyline feels rushed. Her change of heart also misses an important nuance of the novel. Instead of learning to appreciate the benefits of decorum and sense, this version of Marianne recasts Brandon as a romantic like herself. Their kiss is meant to be spontaneous and passionate, but there’s no real chemistry to it.
The trade-off is a more complete Elinor-Edward courtship montage accompanied by a string version of the SWV song “Weak.” Sense and Sensibility 2024 makes sure viewers know that these two are in love. Deborah Ayorinde embodies Elinor’s resilience and quiet passion. Elinor’s “This is not easy” monologue is somehow heartbreaking and encouraging. Ayorinde’s performance stands out, even among Martina Laird’s brilliant interpretation of the chatty but kind-hearted Mrs. Jennings and Edward Bennett’s fun portrayal of a gossipy Sir John Middleton. The dialogue, especially for Mrs. Jennings and Sir John, captures the clever and often mocking elements of Jane Austen’s writing. Some lines leave off the Regency England frills in an amusing nod to code-switching.
The acting is, however, uneven. On the positive side, in many scenes, the women’s body language, faces, and eye movements tell the full story. Lingering camera shots allow for wordless worry or subtle shade. I laugh out loud seeing Susan Lawson-Reynolds’ expression as Mary Dashwood jumps from the couch in one of the closing scenes. Dan Jeannotte is a Hallmark Channel veteran and succeeds in making Edward almost worthy of Elinor’s love and forgiveness.
In contrast, Marianne’s suitors (and other actors to some extent) often appear rehearsed or wooden. The blocking and staging, along with the diction and delivery, may create some of this artificiality. Many scenes have the same theatrical feel as 1980s adaptations of Austen’s works. This stage acting quality is not necessarily bad, but it contrasts with the more modern elements, including set design, costuming, and a soundtrack that includes Seal.
Even with its imperfections, Mahogany’s Sense and Sensibility is an entertaining introduction to Jane Austen’s story. The plot twists and intrigues will keep uninitiated viewers guessing about who marries whom. And despite the limitations of the broadcast television format, with all its breaks and restarts, the film marches its heroines toward their Austen happy endings. There’s even a joyous Hallmark wedding thrown in for good measure. Sense and Sensibility 2024 may not receive its place in the pantheon of Jane Austen adaptations, but it has certainly earned an honorable mention. And that’s pretty good for a “Hallmark movie.”
Sense and Sensibility 2024 is now streaming on Peacock.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Hallmark