Daisy Edgar-Jones brings quiet poignancy to new 'Sense and Sensibility' adaptation
CAVITE, Philippines — Daisy Edgar-Jones did not disappoint in the new adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," bringing a quiet poignancy to Elinor Dashwood that makes her heartbreak and sacrifices all the more moving.
In celebration of UK-Philippines Friendship Day and 80 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the film held an advanced screening at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City on October 20, 2026.
Edgar-Jones stars as Elinor, the eldest of the Dashwood sisters, alongside Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne.
While Marianne "wears her heart on her sleeve," Elinor keeps her feelings close, and Edgar-Jones captures the latter's quiet struggles with a subtle yet affecting performance. Her restraint makes even the smallest moments linger.
Based on Austen's 1811 novel, the story follows the Dashwoods as they navigate love, loss, and society's expectations of women after their father's death forces them to leave their family home. Elinor falls for Edward Ferrars, while Marianne finds herself drawn to John Willoughby.
Despite their differences, the sisters remain each other's source of comfort. The cast also includes Caitríona Balfe, George MacKay and Fiona Shaw.
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Before the screening, Michael Edward Welch, chargé d'affaires of the British Embassy Manila, spoke about Austen's enduring place in British culture and the continued appeal of her stories.
Welch recalled studying "Pride and Prejudice" at 16, admitting that he did not think teenage boys were Austen's target audience. Revisiting the novel years later, however, changed his mind.
"I recently watched 'Pride and Prejudice again,' and I absolutely loved it," he said. He also highlighted how film and literature bring Filipinos and Britons closer, noting the many people from both countries who have lived, studied and worked in each other's homeland.
"Film and literature help to strengthen those connections, giving us stories that we can enjoy together and learn from," Welch said.
Philippine-British Friendship Day is observed every October 20 under Proclamation No. 1592, signed in 2008 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The annual celebration recognizes the historical, cultural and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.
"Sense and Sensibility" opens exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on October 28.
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