Emily (2022) Movie Review
Initial Thoughts on the Emily Movie
Going into the Emily movie, I had mixed expectations. As a longtime fan of Emily Brontë, I was curious to see how her story would be portrayed, especially with Frances O’Connor, known for her role in Mansfield Park, writing and directing the film. Given O’Connor’s background in period dramas, I hoped she would bring something interesting to the screen.
However, since Emily Brontë remains such an enigmatic historical figure, I was also concerned about how O’Connor would present her to a modern audience. Thankfully, despite its historical inaccuracies, I ended up really enjoying the film.
A Departure from Historical Accuracy
Interestingly, O’Connor moves away from strict historical accuracy in this period drama. Instead, she opts for a narrative filled with romance and allusions to Wuthering Heights, almost as if Emily Brontë herself wrote the screenplay. The result is an emotional journey through a transformative period in Emily’s life, showcasing her development into a rebellious and influential literary figure.
Cast and Atmosphere
The movie boasts a talented cast, including Emma Mackey, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Alexandra Dowling, Gemma Jones, and Fionn Whitehead. The atmospheric setting leaves a lasting impression, even if the story remains largely fictional. Despite taking creative liberties with the known facts of Emily’s life and those of her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, Frances O’Connor successfully captures the spirit and determination driving Emily Brontë’s short literary career.
The film employs haunting cinematography, compelling performances, and a strong narrative, making viewers feel more connected to the woman behind the enduring masterpiece, Wuthering Heights.
Official Synopsis and Themes
The movie, “EMILY,” imagines Emily Brontë’s own Gothic story, which inspired her seminal novel, Wuthering Heights. Haunted by her mother’s death, Emily struggles within the confines of her family life and seeks artistic and personal freedom, embarking on a journey to channel her creative potential into one of the greatest novels of all time.
The film covers Emily’s literary journey and her relationships with her siblings, particularly her fraught relationship with Charlotte and her close bond with Branwell. It also explores a romantic connection between the shy Emily and the kind curate, William Weightman. The movie hints at literary parallels with Wuthering Heights, portraying Branwell as Heathcliff and William Weightman as Edgar Linton, with the passionate relationship between Emily and William echoing that of Cathy and Heathcliff.
Filmmaking and Production Quality
Frances O’Connor makes her writing and directorial debut with this film, and she does an outstanding job. Her work behind the camera shows promise for future projects. The film’s visual language is stunning, thanks to cinematographer Nanu Segal, production designer Steve Summersgill, and art director Jono Moles. The English moors and the Brontë family history are depicted in minute detail, creating an immersive experience.
The film’s lighting and costumes, designed by Michael O’Connor, add to this sense of immersion. The clothing reflects the characters’ personalities and the rugged English moors setting, from Emily’s stunning blue dress to the heavier fabrics and earthy tones. The music score by Abel Korzeniowski, with its haunting melodies and atmospheric sounds, perfectly complements the story.
Performances and Character Development
Emma Mackey delivers a remarkable performance as Emily Brontë, capturing a range of emotions and bringing depth to her character. Oliver Jackson-Cohen portrays Reverend William Weightman, navigating his complex emotions towards Emily with great skill.
Fionn Whitehead plays Branwell, Alexander Dowling takes on Charlotte, Amelia Gething appears as Anne, Adrian Dunbar is Patrick Brontë, and Gemma Jones is Aunt Branwell. Each actor brings their historical figure to life, contributing to a memorable film.
Romance and Gothic Elements
The romantic storyline between Emily and William Weightman is a highlight of the movie. Although historically, it’s believed that William Weightman had a romance with Anne Brontë, O’Connor explores the hypothetical “what if” scenario with Emily instead. This imaginative take offers a compelling watch, with palpable chemistry between the characters.
The film uses gothic imagery to depict Emily’s romance with William, making the love story feel intense and passionate, akin to what Emily Brontë might have envisioned herself. The séance scene with a mask stands out for its creepiness and atmospheric tension, adding depth to the characters’ relationship.
Overall Impressions
Emily is a beautiful and moving film. While creative liberties with historical facts, especially regarding Charlotte Brontë, might bother some viewers, it’s clear the movie aims more to pay tribute to Emily Brontë in a style reminiscent of Wuthering Heights.
The film captures the wild beauty of the Yorkshire moors, telling a fascinating and imaginative story. Emma Mackey’s performance as Emily brings a quiet strength and vulnerability, making her feel like a real person rather than a distant historical figure.
The movie also doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of the Brontë family, such as Branwell’s struggles with alcoholism and opium addiction. Additionally, it emphasizes the Romanticism of Brontë’s work and her challenges as a woman in a male-dominated world.
Emily is a heartfelt tribute to a complex and fascinating author, recommended for fans of Romantic literature and those interested in Emily Brontë’s life and work. Just don’t expect strict historical accuracy. The movie is rated R for a few scenes of nudity and drug use. You can rent or buy it digitally and on DVD.
