Jane Austen fans have expressed outrage over the new trailer for the upcoming Sense and Sensibility adaptation, accusing the filmmakers of a "huge blunder" involving the cast's cosmetic enhancements. The trailer, released for the film starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw, has generated significant buzz ahead of its UK cinema release on September 25, 2026. However, a recurring complaint has emerged on social media platforms, particularly Reddit, where viewers argue that lip fillers worn by some actors are a jarring distraction that undermines the Regency-era authenticity of Austen's classic novel.
Fans Call Out Lip Fillers as 'Modern Distraction'
On Reddit, users voiced their discontent, with one commenter stating: "Lip filler does not look the same as naturally full lips. It creates an uncannily modern look that's off-putting in period pieces." Another agreed, saying: "I would say lip filler is often jarringly modern. Like how having actresses with their hair down in adaptations is anachronistic but mostly fine, while putting it up with sparkly butterfly clips and a scrunchie would immediately feel off." A third added: "Lip filler and cosmetic enhancements are a total distraction in period pieces, taking me completely out of the story."
Costume and Hair Design Also Under Fire
Beyond the lip filler debate, fans also criticized the film's hair and costume design. One viewer remarked: "I didn't notice lip filler in particular, but I definitely noticed the whole 'straggly loose hair, no hats, neutral feed sack dresses' look. Why does relatable somehow equal sad beige cottage core to these people?" Another fan lamented: "They're missing an opportunity to get more notice by the mainstream audience with no defining costuming or hair. I can see they're trying to follow Pride and Prejudice (2005) success, but remember how there was this excitement with Bridgerton? When it came out, there was this interest with more romantic styles inspired by the period and the audience was able to be taken into a different world/time than our modern day? I want more of that! I absolutely loved Emma (2020), if anything I want more of THAT."
The film, directed by an as-yet-unnamed filmmaker, is produced by Focus Features and has been a subject of anticipation among Austen enthusiasts. The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing modern beauty standards with historical accuracy in period dramas, as fans increasingly scrutinize details that break immersion. Despite the backlash, the trailer has also drawn praise for its star-studded cast and cinematography, suggesting the film may still find an audience when it hits cinemas later this year.
