To Walk Invisible
To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters is a British historical drama film written and directed by Sally Wainwright. It originally aired in 2016 as a BBC television production. The movie focuses on the lives of the famous Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—during the turbulent years leading up to their literary success.
Plot Summary:
Set in the mid-19th century, the film begins with the Brontë sisters living in relative obscurity in the remote Yorkshire village of Haworth. The sisters—Charlotte (played by Finn Atkins), Emily (Chloe Pirrie), and Anne (Charlie Murphy)—are portrayed as strong, intelligent women facing societal and familial challenges. They live with their father, Patrick Brontë (Jonathan Pryce), and their troubled brother, Branwell (Adam Nagaitis), whose destructive behavior and struggles with addiction overshadow their lives.
The film explores their journey as they secretly write and publish their groundbreaking novels (Jane Eyre by Charlotte, Wuthering Heights by Emily, and Agnes Grey by Anne) under male pseudonyms to circumvent the gender biases of the time. It also delves into their relationship dynamics, including their deep bond as sisters and their struggles with Branwell’s decline.
The title, To Walk Invisible, reflects both their status as women trying to navigate a patriarchal society and their determination to leave a lasting legacy despite being overshadowed in their own time.
Themes:
The movie captures themes of resilience, creativity, gender inequality, and familial loyalty. It also highlights the bleakness of their circumstances, contrasting the brilliance of their literary achievements with the hardships they endured.
Visual and Tonal Elements:
The film is noted for its authenticity, with stunning cinematography of the Yorkshire moors that mirrors the sisters’ works. The dialogue and performances are raw and intimate, offering a vivid depiction of the Brontës’ lives and struggles.
Reception:
To Walk Invisible received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and historical accuracy. It provides a poignant and immersive look at one of literature’s most iconic families, celebrating their lasting contributions while shedding light on the personal battles they faced.
