The adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s The Other Bennet Sister has made its U.S. premiere on Britbox after a resounding success during it’s initial BBC run. It tells the story of Mary Bennet, the socially awkward sister of Bennet family. And if you’re still on the fence as to if you should watch, we’ve got 5 reasons you should watch The Other Bennet Sister below!
WARNING: Slight spoilers if you haven’t read the book! Or seen the trailer.
MORE: Need a refresher of the last episode since you’re watching on Britbox? Read our review for The Other Bennet Sister Episode 6!
1. Mary is a different kind of heroine
Ella Bruccoleri’s Mary isn’t like other heroines that we’ve seen in the regency space because she’s feels real. She feels like she can be me or someone you know. That makes it so her experience is different from her “beautiful” and highly sought out sisters. And it creates a complexity of problems where you can’t help but feel for Mary, because you are Mary. Also, there’s no makeover sequence where everyone realizes “Wow, she’s beautiful underneath *waves at everything*” Mary is just Mary. And that’s enough. It always has been.
2. There’s romance, but it’s not the heart
Like most regency shows, there’s romance in The Other Bennet Sister. But the heart of this show has to do with Mary’s growth. When we meet her she’s stuck under the thumb of her mother. And as the show goes on we get to see her blossom, find her interests, and be surrounded by people that support her. So the show isn’t so much about whether she’ll find a husband. It’s about Mary finding out what happiness means for her. And it’s so satisfying when she finally spreads her wings.
3. But still, there’s multiple (serious) suitors
The suitors that Mary finds herself connecting with in The Other Bennet Sister, she’s got amazing chemistry with them. Whether it’s with Tom (Dónal Finn) or William (Laurie Davidson), there’s this intensity in both of their eyes when they look upon Mary and when she returns their gaze. There’s so much laughter there. But also so much hope. And it feels like they’re fighting for Mary’s affections, not because she got some sort of makeover and now they see her beauty. It’s because they see her and they want to know more.
MORE: Mary transformed when she went to London. Refresh your memory with our review of the first three episodes of The Other Bennet Sister!
4. Mary’s aunt, Mrs. Gardiner. Trust us.
Indira Varma’s Mrs. Gardiner is my second favorite character after Mary, of course. Unlike Mary’s mother Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner is a welcoming light that encourages Mary. She sees that there is something so beautiful inside of this young woman. And she does everything in her power to make sure that Mary knows her worth and is given the opportunity to find out who she wants to be in this world based on her own choices and experiences.
5. It’s cozy regency with heart.
The Other Bennet Sister is the kind of cozy regency that you can watch over and over again. It does have its moments of seriousness that make you want to go through the screen and have a few choice words with some characters. But for the most part, it’s gentle and kind in the way that it handles Mary’s heart and the journey that she’s on.
Watch the trailer for The Other Bennet Sister below:
The Other Bennet Sister new episodes premiere each Wednesday on BritBox.
