«Sister Bennett: A New Interpretation of Jane Austen on Screen»
24 june 2026 в 16:13
The series «Sister Bennett» successfully transports us to the era of Jane Austen. We are already familiar with Elizabeth Bennett, but the Britbox series, based on the novel by Janice Hadlow of the same name, offers a «fresh and understandable» perspective on events through the eyes of Mary Bennett. Actress Ella Brook-Kolleri shared this in an exclusive interview with Hollywood Life at the premiere in New York.
«She exists in a world where she doesn’t understand social norms and the rules of the game», - Ella said. «The main essence is that the more she realizes who she truly is, rather than trying to change herself to please others, the more people are drawn to her and love her».
Although the show emphasizes autonomy, especially for women in 19th century England, viewers still feel for Mary when two suitable suitors—Thomas Hayward (Donal Finn) and William Ryder (Laurie Davidson)—show interest in her. She may not immediately pick up on their hints, but as viewers now know, Mary begins to realize her feelings for both.
At the North American premiere, Donal told Hollywood Life that he learned a lot about courtship and how it has changed while playing his character Hayward. Laurie, in turn, explained what he would advise modern men.
«Guys, get out of the gym, stop watching toxic men on YouTube, and do yourselves a favor. Watch our show, read Austen», - Laurie said, pointing to the series' message about self-love. «The greatest love story in our show is Mary’s story with herself».
So, who does Mary ultimately end up with? Hollywood Life offers a brief overview of the first season (note: spoilers about the season one finale of «Sister Bennett» follow).
In the penultimate episode, viewers see Ryder pull Hayward aside at the top of Scafell Pike during a group hike, after Hayward was presumably about to propose to Mary. Shortly after the conversation with Ryder, Hayward becomes quite cold towards Mary, which clearly hurts her feelings.
Although Hayward stays with Mary to make sure she recovers from her fever, he still leaves without saying a word. Ultimately, Mary takes a job as a governess and remains alone.
It turns out that Ryder told Hayward that he became the heir to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and wants to propose to Mary, apparently having more security to offer her. This hurt Hayward and caused him to withdraw from his proposal.
In the season one finale, Mary and Hayward reunite, he confesses his feelings, and proposes to her.
Yes, Mary marries Hayward, but she does not give up her life as a governess. In fact, the couple seems to support each other as they begin their life together in a new home
«She exists in a world where she doesn’t understand social norms and the rules of the game», - Ella said. «The main essence is that the more she realizes who she truly is, rather than trying to change herself to please others, the more people are drawn to her and love her».
Although the show emphasizes autonomy, especially for women in 19th century England, viewers still feel for Mary when two suitable suitors—Thomas Hayward (Donal Finn) and William Ryder (Laurie Davidson)—show interest in her. She may not immediately pick up on their hints, but as viewers now know, Mary begins to realize her feelings for both.
At the North American premiere, Donal told Hollywood Life that he learned a lot about courtship and how it has changed while playing his character Hayward. Laurie, in turn, explained what he would advise modern men.
«Guys, get out of the gym, stop watching toxic men on YouTube, and do yourselves a favor. Watch our show, read Austen», - Laurie said, pointing to the series' message about self-love. «The greatest love story in our show is Mary’s story with herself».
So, who does Mary ultimately end up with? Hollywood Life offers a brief overview of the first season (note: spoilers about the season one finale of «Sister Bennett» follow).
In the penultimate episode, viewers see Ryder pull Hayward aside at the top of Scafell Pike during a group hike, after Hayward was presumably about to propose to Mary. Shortly after the conversation with Ryder, Hayward becomes quite cold towards Mary, which clearly hurts her feelings.
Although Hayward stays with Mary to make sure she recovers from her fever, he still leaves without saying a word. Ultimately, Mary takes a job as a governess and remains alone.
It turns out that Ryder told Hayward that he became the heir to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and wants to propose to Mary, apparently having more security to offer her. This hurt Hayward and caused him to withdraw from his proposal.
In the season one finale, Mary and Hayward reunite, he confesses his feelings, and proposes to her.
Yes, Mary marries Hayward, but she does not give up her life as a governess. In fact, the couple seems to support each other as they begin their life together in a new home
© Puhova Marina
