“Emily” (2022)

Drama

Running Time: 130 minutes

Written and directed by: Frances O’Connor

Featuring: Emma Mackey, Fionn Whitehead, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Alexandra Dowling, Amelia Gething, Adrian Dunbar and Gemma Jones

“Whatever our souls are made out of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Bronte, Wuthering Height

“Emily” is a biographical drama film released in 2021, directed by Frances O’Connor, and stars Emma Mackey in the titular role of Emily Bronte, the author of “Wuthering Heights.” The movie follows Emily’s life and the experiences that influenced her to write one of the most celebrated novels in the English language.

I thought Emma Mackey’s portrayal of Emily was impressive, capturing the enigmatic and introverted character of the writer. She brought depth and nuance to the role, conveying the inner turmoil and emotional complexity that drove Emily’s creative process. The cinematography was also beautiful, with stunning landscapes and visuals that evoked the mood and atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors, where the story is set.

One of the strengths of the movie was its attention to detail in capturing the historical period and cultural context of Emily’s life. It explored themes such as class, gender, and creativity in a way that felt authentic and insightful. The supporting cast was also excellent, with strong performances from the likes of Joe Alwyn and Fionn Whitehead.

“Emily” is a well-crafted and engaging biopic that sheds light on the life and legacy of one of the most revered writers in literary history. If you are a fan of historical dramas or interested in the life and work of Emily Bronte, I would definitely recommend giving this movie a watch.

That being said, one of the potential weaknesses of the movie is that it may not appeal to those who are not familiar with Emily Bronte’s life or work. Some viewers may find the pacing slow, as the movie focuses on the details of Emily’s life and the events that shaped her writing. Additionally, the movie takes some creative liberties in its portrayal of certain characters and events, which may be controversial for some viewers who are well-versed in Emily’s life and work.

“Emily” is a well-crafted and engaging movie that offers an insightful glimpse into the life and work of one of the most iconic writers of the 19th century. It features strong performances from its cast, beautiful cinematography, and a thoughtful exploration of themes such as creativity, gender, and class. If you are a fan of biographical dramas or have an interest in Emily Bronte’s life and work, I would definitely recommend giving this movie a watch.

Another strength of the movie is its exploration of the relationship between Emily and her siblings, particularly her sister Charlotte, who also became a celebrated writer in her own right. The movie portrays the sisters as being close and supportive of each other, despite their differences in temperament and creative style. This aspect of the movie adds depth and nuance to Emily’s character, showing her not only as a writer but also as a sister and a daughter who struggles with the expectations and limitations imposed on her by society.

In terms of its technical aspects, “Emily” is a well-executed movie, with excellent cinematography, set design, and costume design that evoke the mood and atmosphere of 19th century England. The use of natural lighting and muted colors creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity, while the haunting score adds to the emotional impact of the story.

“Emily” is a thought-provoking and well-made movie that offers a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the life and work of Emily Bronte. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate biographical dramas and historical fiction will find much to enjoy in this movie. With a strong lead performance from Emma Mackey and a talented supporting cast, “Emily” is a movie that is well worth watching for anyone interested in the life and work of one of the most iconic writers of the 19th century.

One of the things that sets “Emily” apart from other biopics is its emphasis on the creative process behind Emily Bronte’s writing. Throughout the movie, we see glimpses of Emily’s imagination and the sources of inspiration for her iconic novel “Wuthering Heights.” The movie portrays her as a fiercely independent and introspective individual who was unafraid to challenge societal norms and explore taboo subjects in her writing. This aspect of the movie adds depth and complexity to Emily’s character, making her more than just a two-dimensional figure in history.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is its exploration of the theme of loss and grief. Throughout the movie, we see Emily struggling to come to terms with the deaths of her siblings and the impact that loss had on her writing. The movie does an excellent job of portraying the emotional weight of grief and the toll it can take on an individual’s creativity and mental health.

In terms of criticisms, some viewers may find the movie’s pacing slow, as it is a character-driven biopic that focuses on the details of Emily’s life and the events that shaped her writing. Additionally, some viewers may take issue with the creative liberties the movie takes in its portrayal of certain events and characters.

Overall, “Emily” is a beautifully crafted biopic that offers a nuanced and insightful portrayal of the life and work of one of the most celebrated writers of the 19th century. With a strong lead performance from Emma Mackey and a talented supporting cast, the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the life and work of Emily Bronte or the creative process behind iconic literature.