Emily (2022) Movie Review
I had mixed feelings before watching the Emily movie. As a longtime fan of Emily Brontë, I was curious to see how this film would bring her life to the screen, especially since Frances O’Connor, known for her role in Mansfield Park, was both writing and directing. Given O’Connor’s background in period dramas, I hoped she would deliver something compelling. However, I was also concerned about how she would portray such a mysterious historical figure for a modern audience. In the end, I really enjoyed the movie, even though it wasn’t entirely historically accurate.
Frances O’Connor took some creative liberties with Emily’s life story, opting to tell a tale steeped in romance and Romanticism, with nods to Wuthering Heights, almost as if Emily Brontë herself had penned the script. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey through a transformative period in Emily’s life, highlighting her evolution into a rebellious and influential literary figure.
Featuring a talented cast including Emma Mackey, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Alexandra Dowling, Gemma Jones, and Fionn Whitehead, the film leaves a lasting impression, even if it’s more historical fiction than fact.
Despite taking creative liberties with the historical facts about Emily and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, Frances O’Connor successfully captures the spirit and determination that drove Emily Brontë’s brief literary career. Through evocative cinematography, powerful performances, and a strong storyline, Emily made me feel more connected to the woman behind the dark masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, which still resonates with readers over 175 years after its publication.
The Story of Emily (2022)
The film imagines Emily Brontë’s own Gothic story, which served as the inspiration for her novel, Wuthering Heights. Haunted by her mother’s death, Emily struggles with the constraints of her family life and yearns for artistic and personal freedom. This desire propels her on a journey to channel her creativity into what would become one of the greatest novels of all time.
In addition to exploring Emily’s literary journey and her relationships with her siblings, especially her strained relationship with Charlotte and close bond with Branwell, the movie delves into her romantic connection with the gentle curate, William Weightman. While the film avoids any suggestions of incest, it is clear that Branwell represents Heathcliff, while William Weightman stands in for Edgar Linton. Elements of Wuthering Heights’ doomed love story between Cathy and Heathcliff also influence the romance between Emily and William.
The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities faced by the Brontë family, showcasing their literary genius and struggles with life and love. It offers a unique glimpse into the raw creativity that defined these extraordinary authors and sisters.
Filmmaking and Production Quality
Frances O’Connor made a notable debut as a writer and director with this film. Her future in these roles looks bright, and I’m excited to see what she will create next. The cinematography by Nanu Segal, production design by Steve Summersgill, and art direction by Jono Moles resulted in stunning visuals that transport the audience to the world of the Brontës. The atmospheric portrayal of the moors and the detailed depiction of the Brontë sisters’ history immerse viewers deeply in their story.
The film also excels in its lighting and costume design. Michael O’Connor’s costumes, featuring gothic styles and textiles representative of the era, perfectly capture the rugged environment of the English moors and the unique individuality of the characters. Additionally, Abel Korzeniowski’s score, with its haunting melodies and atmospheric sounds, complements Emily’s story beautifully.
The Cast and Performances
Emma Mackey shines in the challenging role of Emily Brontë. Her intense and multi-faceted performance brings depth to the enigmatic writer, making her a compelling character. Mackey’s portrayal is both captivating and relatable, proving she is an emerging talent to watch.
Oliver Jackson-Cohen plays Reverend William Weightman, a young man conflicted between his religious duties and his passion for the wild and mysterious Emily. His performance captures the complexity of the character and keeps the audience intrigued.
The supporting cast, including Fionn Whitehead as Branwell, Alexandra Dowling as Charlotte, Amelia Gething as Anne, Adrian Dunbar as Patrick Brontë, and Gemma Jones as Aunt Branwell, all deliver excellent performances. Together, they bring these historical figures to life, creating an engaging and memorable film experience.
The Romance
The film’s romantic storyline between Emily Brontë and William Weightman was particularly captivating. Although historical evidence suggests Anne Brontë may have had a romance with William Weightman, O’Connor chose to explore the “what if” scenario with Emily instead. This fictionalized romance, albeit more fanfiction than fact, is compelling to watch. The palpable chemistry between the characters and their intense interactions draw you into their connection.
With gothic imagery and almost eerie scenes, O’Connor depicts Emily’s romance with a haunting beauty. A particularly memorable séance scene adds to the film’s atmospheric and shocking depiction of their developing relationship.
The romantic dynamics between Emily and William are beautifully highlighted against the breathtaking West Yorkshire landscape, enhancing the emotions portrayed. Their relationship helps deepen our understanding of Emily’s character and the profound connections she experienced.
Overall Thoughts
Emily is a beautiful and emotionally moving film. While some of the creative liberties, especially regarding the portrayal of Charlotte, bothered me, I understand that the film was not aiming for historical accuracy. O’Connor’s goal was to pay tribute to Emily Brontë by telling a story with the same passion and intensity as Wuthering Heights.
The film captures the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire moors and tells a fascinating, imaginative story. The performances, especially by Emma Mackey, bring a quiet strength and vulnerability to Emily, making her a relatable and compelling character.
The movie doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the Brontë family’s life, including Branwell’s alcoholism and opium addiction. One of the most appreciated aspects of the film is its emphasis on the Romanticism in Brontë’s work. It captures the wild, passionate spirit of Wuthering Heights and highlights the deep emotional connections Emily Brontë had with those around her.
Overall, I highly recommend Emily to anyone who loves Romantic literature or is interested in the life and work of Emily Brontë. Just don’t go in expecting a historically accurate portrayal. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a fascinating and mysterious author.
Content Note: The movie is rated R for a few explicit scenes and drug use.
Where to Watch: Emily is available for rent or purchase digitally and on DVD.
