Emily (2022)

I had to import this DVD from the UK, as it didn’t seem to be available locally. We watched it last night. Susan may have read the book that Emily wrote, in high school, but doesn’t remember much about it. I, on the other hand, remember a lot. And there are nods to “Wuthering Heights” throughout: a ghost story (this time involving a mask); a family nearby called Lytton; peeping through their windows at night; and, of course, the Yorkshire moors.

It’s a fictionalized account of how Emily Brontë became a writer. Not content to allow her fantasy life to evolve on its own, the film suggests that her older male tutor may have taken advantage of her during their French lessons. An early #metoo moment. But at the same time, her relationship with Branwell, her brother, may have been the true ‘corrupting’ influence in her life. We may never know, for sure.

What’s missing from the film is Emily’s love of all creatures great and small, including her faithful dog, Keeper. (Gee, I wonder how he got his name…) But I suppose there’s only so much that a film can cover in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Emma Mackey is perfect for the ethereal nature of Emily’s personality. And her ability to speak perfect French (she was born in France) adds to the authenticity of her portrayal. Emma plays Emily correctly as “the odd one”. When the real Emily died at 30, from (perhaps) tuberculosis, the world lost an interesting soul way too young.