The Other Bennet Sister Review: Mary Bennet Takes Center Stage in New Adaptation
In the latest television adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved world, The Other Bennet Sister brings the often-overlooked Mary Bennet into the spotlight. Based on Janice Hadlow's 2020 bestselling novel, this 10-part BBC series, written by Sarah Quintrell with additional contributions from Maddie Dai, offers a fresh perspective on the bookish middle sister from Pride and Prejudice. While Ella Bruccoleri delivers an absolutely lovely performance as Mary, the drama struggles with an overly slight narrative that labors jokes about her marriage prospects, making it feel tedious at times.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Character
Mary Bennet has been the subject of various retellings over the years, from Coleen McCullough's The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet to Terri Fleming's Perception, but Hadlow's adaptation stands out as the most popular. The series opens with the familiar excitement in Meryton as Mrs. Bennet, played by Ruth Jones, convulses over the news that Netherfield Park has been let to a single man of fortune. Jane smiles sweetly, Elizabeth rolls her eyes, and the younger sisters, Lydia and Kitty, eagerly anticipate the social upheaval. Mary, however, is largely ignored, her ruddy complexion and spectacles making her the target of relentless family mockery about her unviability in the marriage market.
The portrayal of Mary's struggles is exaggerated to the point of absurdity, with the Bennet family constantly belittling her. From leaving her off lists of family accomplishments to making her bathe last before the Netherfield ball, Mary never catches a break. This overemphasis on her lack of marriage prospects becomes boring quickly, detracting from the potential depth of her character. Even when a kind optician, Mr. Sparrow, shows interest in her, Mrs. Bennet intervenes, fearing it would ruin her other daughters' chances. This dynamic highlights the harsh social constraints of the era but feels overly repetitive in the series.
Performance and Production Highlights
Ella Bruccoleri's performance as Mary is the heart of the show, bringing charm and nuance to a character often dismissed as merely bookish. Her portrayal grows in depth as Mary is sent away to work as a governess, allowing her to develop interests and independence. This shift marks an improvement in the narrative, adding heft to what initially feels like a too-slight drama designed for pre-watershed Sunday evening viewing. Richard E. Grant as Mr. Bennet adds a touch of wit, though Ruth Jones's outsized performance as Mrs. Bennet can feel overwhelming in this broad-brush production.
The series is visually appealing, with period-appropriate costumes and settings that capture the essence of Austen's world. However, the humor often falls flat, relying too heavily on jokes about Mary's appearance and prospects. The Other Bennet Sister ultimately succeeds when it focuses on Mary's personal growth, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of Austen adaptations, despite its flaws.
Final Verdict
While The Other Bennet Sister labors under the weight of its repetitive jokes, Ella Bruccoleri's lovely central performance and the story's eventual focus on character development make it a series worth sticking with. It aired on BBC One and is available on iPlayer for those eager to see Mary Bennet finally get her turn in the spotlight.
