The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

In 1881, after the death of his father, Louis Wain steps up as the primary supporter of his family. He takes on the responsibility of providing for his five sisters and mother by working part-time as an illustrator.

Editor Sir William Ingram offers Louis a full-time illustrators position at The Illustrated London News. However, Louis refuses the opportunity, hoping to pursue music and playwriting instead to support his family, which ultimately proves unsuccessful.

Louis hires Emily Richardson as the new governess for his sisters, leading to an instant attraction between them. The romance causes tension, especially with his eldest sister, Caroline, who disapproves.

Louis takes Emily and his family to see 'The Tempest' at the theatre as an educational trip. Following a distressing nightmare, Louis is comforted by Emily in a men's restroom, but this incident leads to a scandal that results in Caroline firing her.

Before Emily leaves, Louis confesses his love for her. Their relationship blossoms into a courtship that defies societal expectations and family norms.

In 1884, Louis and Emily marry, causing another scandal due to their age difference and her social status. They settle into a new home in Hampstead as Louis continues to juggle work as a freelance artist.

Tragically, Emily is diagnosed with breast cancer. In an attempt to cope with their grief, the couple decides to adopt a stray kitten named Peter, marking a turning point in their lives.

As Emily’s condition worsens, Louis starts creating more artistic representations of Peter, transitioning from realistic portrayals of the kitten to whimsical, anthropomorphic cat paintings. This shift reflects both his coping mechanism and his deeper emotional struggles.

Despite the Christmas edition of The Illustrated London News featuring Louis's work becoming successful, the joy is short-lived as Emily passes away months later. Louis turns to his art even more as a way to process the profound loss he experiences.

By 1891, Wain's cat illustrations gain immense popularity, appearing on various prints and changing public perceptions about cats as household pets. However, the financial struggles of the Wain family persist, exacerbated by Louis's failure to copyright his work.

The family's mounting debts lead to their eviction from their home, while Marie, Louis's youngest sister, begins to exhibit signs of mental illness. Louis's struggles deepen as he navigates the chaos within his family.

With Sir William's help, the family finds temporary housing at one of his properties. However, further tragedy strikes as both Marie is admitted to an asylum and Peter dies, pushing Louis's mental stability to the brink.

In 1907, Louis travels to New York, hoping to establish his career and relieve his family’s debts. His arrival is met with mixed success as he grapples with loss again when he learns of his mother’s death from influenza shortly after.

After several years in the U.S., Louis returns to England in 1914, responding to Caroline's request. He learns that tragedy has continued to plague his family, leading to further emotional turmoil.

Louis suffers a severe head injury and falls into a coma during which he experiences vivid visions. Upon awakening, he is inspired to design futuristic cat toys, believing this will be a new avenue for success, though this hope is dashed when the toys are lost.