The wider picture
Ella Bruccoleri is poised to take on a significant role in the upcoming drama series The Other Bennet Sister, where she will portray Mary Bennet, a character drawn from Jane Austen’s beloved novel Pride and Prejudice. This new adaptation, based on Janice Hadlow’s novel, is set to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday, March 15. The series consists of 10 episodes, each lasting 30 minutes, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the often-overlooked character of Mary Bennet.
Mary Bennet is described as the supposedly unremarkable and unglamorous middle sister of the Bennet siblings. However, the series aims to delve deeper into her character, highlighting her complexities and the transformative power of kindness. Ella Bruccoleri, who has previously appeared in Call the Midwife as Sister Frances, expresses a strong attachment to her character, stating, “I really, really like her. I’m very fond of her, very attached to her.” This sentiment reflects Bruccoleri’s commitment to portraying Mary in a nuanced light.
In her portrayal, Bruccoleri emphasizes that Mary is more than just a pedant. She notes, “I think there’s a lot to not like about her initially… you see why she’s decided to form that character and why that’s her coping mechanism.” This insight suggests that the series will explore the motivations behind Mary’s behavior, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of her struggles and growth.
As the narrative unfolds, the Gardiners, a key family in the story, decide to take Mary under their wing. Bruccoleri describes this pivotal moment, saying, “The Gardiners decide to take her under their wing and show her that she should embrace who she really is rather than trying to become someone else.” This theme of self-acceptance is central to the series, promising to resonate with audiences who may relate to Mary’s journey.
The series is not only a character study but also a commentary on societal expectations and the pressures faced by women in the 19th century. As Bruccoleri reflects on the writing, she praises the cleverness of the script, noting, “I think Sarah’s writing is really clever there because normally when you read a script every piece of dialogue feels quite placed.” This attention to detail suggests that the series will offer a rich narrative experience.
In addition to her role in The Other Bennet Sister, Bruccoleri has upcoming film roles in Go Away! and Wicker. The latter features notable actors such as Olivia Colman and is set in a medieval village, where Bruccoleri plays the baker woman. These projects highlight her versatility as an actress and her ability to tackle diverse roles.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds around The Other Bennet Sister. Observers and officials are eager to see how this adaptation will resonate with both fans of Austen’s work and new audiences alike. The exploration of Mary Bennet’s character promises to shed light on the importance of kindness and self-acceptance, themes that remain relevant today. Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional promotional activities leading up to the premiere, but the excitement surrounding Bruccoleri’s performance is palpable.