‘The Other Bennet Sister’ shines on BritBox
Courtesy BritBox
The Other Bennet Sister“The Other Bennet Sister” is being hailed by critics and viewers as a triumph. Celebrating Jane Austen whose 250th birthday would have been last December, BritBox is streaming many of the films based on her novels as well as films about the author herself.
The new series “The Other Bennet Sister” takes the journey of Mary Bennet, the sister of Elizabeth who, along with Mr. Darcy, captured the hearts of readers through the decades – and centuries in “Pride and Prejudice.” But Mary is definitely a different person than her celebrated sister.
Mary is a plain Jane who is seen by her mother as basically useless. How can she marry off this dull, lifeless young woman? Her other four daughters have the chance to marry wealthy and influential men, but Mary is hopeless, at least to Mrs. Bennett.
Mary is the ugly duckling in a pool of swans. She immerses herself in books and her interests are different than her sisters. She is looking for a productive life, not merely a suitable husband.
Even though her mother is rude, vile, and downright disgusted by Mary, this young woman is able to keep some dignity and self respect.
After the death of her father, Mary is sent to live with her uncle and aunt in London to be the new governess to their three children. Not wanting to go but forced by her mother, Mary begins a new life in the city. It is there where she begins to blossom and come into her own.
However, the old insecurities sneak up on her when she least expects it. There are times when she is happy with her new life, but then the thoughts of her mother’s disdain bubble up. Her uncle and aunt do everything they can to help her come out of her shell and realize she is worthy of respect and happiness.
As Mary begins to blossom in London, her future does not seem as bleak as her mother always impressed upon her.
Ella Bruccoleri plays Mary in a way that brings out compassion with the viewers. For this woman who was always a thorn in the side of her mother and who was not always popular with her own sisters, the transformation she experiences in London is one of hope and happiness.
Will this wallflower turn into a confident young woman?
This 10-episode series is based on the novel by Janice Hadlow.
“The Other Bennet Sister” is compelling and a joy to watch. It is a unique look at a story Jane Austen might have explored in her time.
