Quick Info
This film follows the life of Mary Shelley, the groundbreaking author of “Frankenstein,” and dives into her tumultuous romance with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. What struck me was how the movie spotlights Mary’s inner world — her grief, ambition, and the way she carved her own identity amid the suffocating expectations of her era. Elle Fanning brings a quiet intensity to the role, balancing Mary’s vulnerability with undeniable resolve.
The cinematography lends a gothic, windswept beauty to every scene — you really feel the chill and storminess of 19th-century England. There’s a deep palette of grays and candlelight, which not only fit the mood but help transport you into Mary’s creative imagination. Scenes in Geneva and by the lake where she first conjured “Frankenstein” are especially moody and atmospheric.
The film does take its time setting up the relationships and social context, so the pacing is a bit uneven, especially in the first half. At times, the dialogue can feel a little on-the-nose, almost as if it’s overly eager to let you in on the historical significance of each moment. Still, once it finds its rhythm, the emotional stakes start to pay off.
The performances are definitely the highlight — besides Fanning, Douglas Booth makes Percy Shelley both frustrating and charismatic, which seems apt. I also appreciated how the film doesn’t overly romanticize their relationship and isn’t shy about showing its imbalances and heartbreaks. It’s a good reminder that the making of a literary legend was far from a fairy tale.
You would enjoy this if you’re drawn to literary history, period dramas, or stories about women ahead of their time. If slow-burn romance mixed with a taste of dark academia appeals to you, this is a rewarding, moody watch that sticks with you after the credits roll.
