Released Date : 8 Jul, 2023
Avg. User's Rating : 3.5/5
Story: Mary Anning, a paleontologist, runs a fossil shop and takes care of her sick mother. When Roderick Murchison entrusts his wife with Mary's care, a transformative love affair unfolds, changing their lives irrevocably.
Review: 'Ammonite' is a must-watch experience for fans of Kate Winslet, as her portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary. With a delicate balance of subtlety and depth, the Oscar-winning actress delivers a masterclass performance that will be etched in memory for years to come. Immersed in the real life of Mary Anning, Winslet brings a great deal of authenticity, blurring the lines between her performance and the actual historical figure. As a strong and resilient woman who finds solace in her work and cherishes solitude, Winslet's portrayal is nothing short of a revelation. Every aspect of his performance is finely crafted, showcasing his immense talent and dedication to his craft. However, despite Winslet's impressive presence, the film itself falls somewhat short of expectations, presenting an understated and somewhat haunted love story.
This drama is an engrossing film that enthralls the audience with its understated yet compelling narrative. The film's strength lies in its compelling female characters who act as the pillars of the story. At a crucial moment, Mary delivers a powerful line to Charlotte, "You don't know me at all," which serves as a shattering revelation, breaking up the carefully constructed plot. Despite the narrative ups and downs caused by the main plot, 'Ammonite' remains a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationships and unspoken bonds that form between individuals. It serves as a testament to the strength and vulnerability of its female characters, who experience their journey on screen leaving a lasting impression on them.
In the coastal town of Lyme Regis, Dorset, the plot revolves around Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) who earns a living by running a shop selling fossils and caring for her sick mother (Gemma Jones). When Roderick Murchison (James McArdle) leaves his wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) in Mary's care during a visit, an unexpected romance develops between Mary and Charlotte. As Mary tends to Charlotte's needs and takes her on fossil expeditions, their bond deepens, leading to a passionate relationship. However, their romance faces challenges and breaks up after Roderick returns, and their lives take a surprising turn when Mary receives a letter from Charlotte, beckoning her to London. Against the backdrop of societal expectations, the film explores themes of love, duty and the consequences of forbidden desires, which have a lasting impact on the lives of those involved.
'Ammonite' undeniably leaves a lasting impression, its powerful narrative lingering in your mind long after the film is over. However, the film's disjointed tone detracts from its potential impact, hindering its ability to fully captivate the audience. The lack of a logical explanation for Mary's rejection of Charlotte's offer to stay in London and the absence of exploration of Mary's tragic nature endears the audience. Despite these flaws, 'Ammonite' remains a solid and watchable film, bolstered by Stephen Fontaine's stunning cinematography, which expertly captures the gloomy atmosphere of Kate's character's workplace and residence.
The play features an extraordinary collection of female performances that leave a lasting impact. Once again, Kate Winslet delivers a tour-de-force portrayal, immersing herself in the character with unparalleled depth and authenticity. Saoirse Ronan follows up with another notable performance as Mary's lover Charlotte. The presence of Gemma Jones and Fiona Shaw enhances the film's content. Although not an easy watch, 'Ammonite' remains a poignant exploration of loneliness and companionship within a conservative society. Kate's performance in the film evokes memories of her role in the 1996 film Jude, which shares a similar setting and character dynamic. Although the film has obvious scenes, it remains compelling and engrossing mainly due to the exceptional performances of its two leads.
