“The Woman in White” is unexpectedly brilliant and offers a fresh take on a classic mystery. Going into the series without having read the novel added an extra layer of suspense for me. The miniseries captures the same gothic atmosphere one might find in Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey.”
Based on Wilkie Collins’ mystery novel, this British period drama set in the 1860s will keep you guessing until the end. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed that any mystery fan will relish. Don’t worry, romance lovers, there’s also a slow-burning love story woven into the narrative. This romance isn’t as fiery as Darcy and Elizabeth’s but evolves gently, eventually becoming a beacon of hope.
Plot Summary (Minor Spoilers)
The story begins with Walter Hartright (Ben Hardy), an artist hired to teach two half-sisters, Laura Fairlie (Olivia Vinall) and Marion Halcombe (Jessie Buckley), how to draw. En route, he encounters a mysterious woman dressed in white who has escaped from an asylum. As Walter settles into Limmeridge, he forms a bond with Marion and falls in love with Laura, who reciprocates his feelings. They soon learn the mysterious woman is Anne Catherick, who looks strikingly like Laura, setting off a thrilling tale of secrets.
We meet Sir Percival Glyde (Dougray Scott), Laura’s fiancé who is after her fortune, and his friend Count Fosco (Riccardo Scamarcio), who is infatuated with Marion.
Female Power
Marion Halcombe is a standout character. She’s independent and refuses to bow to societal expectations, often pushing back against the men around her. In contrast to the gentle Laura, Marion has a fiery spirit reminiscent of Elizabeth Bennet. She’s strong-willed, speaks her mind, and stands up for her sister at every turn. She’s modern for her time, even opting out of traditional corsets, and could easily be considered a proto-feminist. Her character is likely to become a fan favorite.
Murder Mystery
The series starts with a captivating police investigation, incorporating elements of modern-day court dramas. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks offering glimpses of past events, making viewers piece together the story and suspect everyone involved.
Loyalties
Mrs. Michelson, the lady’s maid, brings an air of uncertainty. She’s close to Laura but her loyalties are unclear, adding another layer of suspense. A pivotal moment occurs in Episode 3, where her true nature comes into question. This moment adds depth to her character and leaves us wondering if she’s trustworthy or not.
Special Mentions
Charles Dance deserves a special mention for his role as the frail yet manipulative Frederick Fairlie. You’ll find yourself loving to hate him by the end. He’s the guardian of the sisters but his choices, especially regarding Laura’s marriage to Sir Percival, bring about many of the series’ conflicts.
Why You Should Watch It
“The Woman in White” is a must-watch for mystery drama fans. Beyond the secrets and suspense, the series tackles themes like domestic abuse and coercive control, making it relevant even today. Although some period inaccuracies in language and attire exist, the intelligent adaptation makes it easy to overlook these minor flaws.
The show is rated TV-14 and is currently airing on PBS. You can also stream it on the PBS app or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime or DVD.
Have you seen “The Woman in White”? Share your thoughts and comments below!
