WHAT MAKES IT GREAT: If you're into f/f tragic historical romances, the English coast and Dorset's more specifically, fossils and middle-aged British actresses, you've probably already heard of this. If you enjoy learning about the erased history of women in science, realistic depictions of everyday life in the 19th century, complex female characters and seaside atmospheres, you should probably watch it too. Brought to us by the creator of God's Own Country, it tells the story of real-life paleontologist Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), famous for her groundbreaking findings of Jurassic fossils in her hometown of Lyme Regis in the first part of the 19th century, and more specifically of her developing relationship with Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman who's been advised to "take the waters" to recover from a personal tragedy. The reason I love this movie, perhaps more than the romance itself, has to do with the themes it tackles, and how subtle it can be in that regard. Its main subject, I think, is dispossession: how can you manage to call something your own, when you're a woman in 19th century England? Be it a child, your work (scientific or otherwise), your own feelings, it can always be taken away from you. Every female character in this struggles for autonomy in her own way, but given the social conditions, this is hardly achievable. Another great trait is how realistic it tries to be when it comes to class and the physical pains of work. It doesn't glamorize Mary's hardships, digging through muddy cliffs in winter, and oh the wind and rain. More generally speaking, this is a movie that recognizes and honors the various pains of all the women on screen, from the flesh wounds to the psychological suffering, while at the same time underlining how class can still be a great divider between them. Mary historically came from a working-class background, which (in addition to her gender) makes her an anomaly in her field. Her life choices, her relationship to Charlotte and to each and every character is deeply informed by that, in a way that rings true and isn't sacrificed for the sake of romance.
Which brings me the one last quality (and honestly, my fave): Fiona Shaw as Elizabeth Philpot, anther historical paleontology figure, and Mary Anning's long-time friend/potential love interest. If you're like me, a Fiona Shaw stan, you're in a for a treat. She only has a few scenes but she's incredible in all of them. And the implications of her character's former and possibly future relationship with Anning are quite fascinating to me. Philpot encouraged Anning to pursue a career in paleontology, and while being of a higher social status, they formed a close bond. Fic-wise, I think there is great potential there too: I want to know all about their past, mentoring young Mary, discover amazing things in the ground, etc.
WHERE CAN I FIND IT (optional): it's available on many streaming services, including Youtube, Hulu and Amazon Prime.
Ammonite (2020)
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT: If you're into f/f tragic historical romances, the English coast and Dorset's more specifically, fossils and middle-aged British actresses, you've probably already heard of this. If you enjoy learning about the erased history of women in science, realistic depictions of everyday life in the 19th century, complex female characters and seaside atmospheres, you should probably watch it too.
Brought to us by the creator of God's Own Country, it tells the story of real-life paleontologist Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), famous for her groundbreaking findings of Jurassic fossils in her hometown of Lyme Regis in the first part of the 19th century, and more specifically of her developing relationship with Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman who's been advised to "take the waters" to recover from a personal tragedy.
The reason I love this movie, perhaps more than the romance itself, has to do with the themes it tackles, and how subtle it can be in that regard. Its main subject, I think, is dispossession: how can you manage to call something your own, when you're a woman in 19th century England? Be it a child, your work (scientific or otherwise), your own feelings, it can always be taken away from you. Every female character in this struggles for autonomy in her own way, but given the social conditions, this is hardly achievable.
Another great trait is how realistic it tries to be when it comes to class and the physical pains of work. It doesn't glamorize Mary's hardships, digging through muddy cliffs in winter, and oh the wind and rain. More generally speaking, this is a movie that recognizes and honors the various pains of all the women on screen, from the flesh wounds to the psychological suffering, while at the same time underlining how class can still be a great divider between them. Mary historically came from a working-class background, which (in addition to her gender) makes her an anomaly in her field. Her life choices, her relationship to Charlotte and to each and every character is deeply informed by that, in a way that rings true and isn't sacrificed for the sake of romance.
Which brings me the one last quality (and honestly, my fave): Fiona Shaw as Elizabeth Philpot, anther historical paleontology figure, and Mary Anning's long-time friend/potential love interest.
If you're like me, a Fiona Shaw stan, you're in a for a treat. She only has a few scenes but she's incredible in all of them. And the implications of her character's former and possibly future relationship with Anning are quite fascinating to me. Philpot encouraged Anning to pursue a career in paleontology, and while being of a higher social status, they formed a close bond. Fic-wise, I think there is great potential there too: I want to know all about their past, mentoring young Mary, discover amazing things in the ground, etc.
WHERE CAN I FIND IT (optional): it's available on many streaming services, including Youtube, Hulu and Amazon Prime.