The Invisible Woman

Directed by Ralph Fiennes and adapted from Claire Tomalin's biographical book of the same name, The Invisible Woman is a compelling and captivating drama set in the mid-19th century, brimming with high societal expectations, unrequited passions, and clandestine relations. As both director and lead actor in this cinematic offering, Ralph Fiennes masterfully portrays the acclaimed but morally conflicted author Charles Dickens.

With the release of The Invisible Woman in 2013, Ralph Fiennes succeeded in presenting a stirring yet poignantly restrained portrayal of a Victorian real-life drama. Felicity Jones' exquisite performance as Nelly Ternan, a theatrically inclined young woman whose life forever intertwines with Dickens, deserves mention for its depth and complexity. Kristin Scott Thomas, playing Nelly's pragmatic and intuitive mother, Frances, lends her unmistakable grace and gravitas to the narrative's evolving circumstances.

The plot weaves a comprehensive tale of Dickens, the famous author, and his less-known but immensely intriguing private life. Contrary to public perception, Dickens had complex layers hidden beneath his charming public persona. Complicated and often contradictory, Dickens was drawn towards the youthful exuberance of Nelly Ternan, a woman almost 30 years younger. Despite his stable marriage to Catherine Dickens, played by Joanna Scanlan, and their ten children, he finds an irresistible attraction towards Nelly, leading to a romance highly scandalous for Victorian England.

The Invisible Woman is a haunting exploration of the societal hypocrisy of Victorian England, a period renowned for its strict moral codes and nascent feminism. The narrative reveals Nelly as a woman entrapped in societal constraints and values, struggling with the emotional turmoil that Dickens' love instigates. She is emotionally expressive but equally bound, a reflection of the many Victorian women who had no choice but to stay silent despite life’s unfairness.

The casting for this movie is nothing short of perfect. Ralph Fiennes as Charles Dickens is a powerful presence, perfectly encapsulating the charm, wit, and complexity of the renowned author. Felicity Jones renders a stirring portrayal of Nelly Ternan with depth and complexity, succeeding in capturing her innocence, vulnerability, and suppressed anguish. Meanwhile, Kristin Scott Thomas, as Nelly's mother, offers an equally convincing performance, effortlessly depicting a woman forced to make hard choices in a difficult era.

The film is a triumph of mood and atmosphere, presented through an immersive cinematographic lens. Rob Hardy's cinematography, Maria Djurkovic's production design, and Michael O'Connor's costume design seamlessly coincide to recreate Victorian England. Every frame resonates with an unstated melancholy, a stunned silence, immaculately captured through the lens, presenting muted tones and hues characteristic of the Victorian era. The film is rich in detail, and every frame, every background hint, contributes to transforming it into a painting of the times, where every stroke carries a meaningful narrative.

The screenplay by Abi Morgan diligently stays true to the era. It does not attempt to modernize dialogue or interactions for the contemporary viewer; rather it cultivates an authentic 19th-century environment within which the characters interact, adding to the film's immersive experience.

The musical score of the film, composed by Ilan Eshkeri, is suitably melodious, disappearing unobtrusively into the film's narrative. The music is delicate, elegant and emotionally resonating, complementing the film's depiction of a complex romantic relationship against confronting social norms.

The Invisible Woman emerges as a compelling, intricate portrait of a forbidden relationship and the societal circumstances surrounding it. It is at its core a character study, exploring the repercussions when people from different social strata and ages cross paths. Thoughtfully directed and beautifully acted, it is a film that invites contemplation about the nature of love, the institution of marriage, societal norms, and the subservient status of Victorian women.

While The Invisible Woman is a period drama revolving around the life of a celebrated author, it is far from being just a biographical recount. Instead, it embarks on an exploration of Charles Dickens, the man behind the public figure, and the invisible woman who influenced and shaped his later years. The Invisible Woman is a poignant, unflinching gaze into the unforgiving realm of societal norms and the silent struggles faced by many during the Victorian era.