Vita & Virginia

Vita & Virginia

Year: 2019

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Chanya Button

BiographyDramaRomance

In 1920s England's vibrant bohemian circles, a fiery love affair ignites between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. As Vita navigates her marriage with reckless abandon, she finds herself captivated by Virginia's unconventional brilliance and enigmatic charm. Their intense romance is marked by all-consuming passion, intellectual sparring, and destructive jealousy, leaving both women forever changed and inspiring a masterpiece from Virginia's pen.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Vita & Virginia yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Vita & Virginia (2019)
Trace every key event in Vita & Virginia (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Introduction of Vita Sackville-West

Vita Sackville-West, a socialite and author, is introduced to the dynamic Bloomsbury Set. This group represents a radical shift away from the social norms that Vita has been accustomed to, igniting her intrigue and desire for deeper connections.

2

Meeting Virginia Woolf

Vita meets the enigmatic Virginia Woolf, a key figure in the Bloomsbury Set. Their initial interactions spark curiosity and a complex bond, as each woman finds herself drawn to the other’s intellect and spirit.

3

Conflict with Lady Sackville-West

Vita faces relentless criticism from her mother, Lady Sackville-West, who embodies the oppressive societal expectations of the upper class. This tension serves to fuel Vita's desire to break free and explore the boundaries of her identity.

4

Vita's Frustrations in Marriage

Vita's marriage to Harold Nicolson becomes increasingly stifling, as she feels burdened by her duties as a wife. Her frustrations grow as her longing for personal freedom and a more profound emotional connection with Virginia intensifies.

5

Publication of Vita's Book

Virginia Woolf convinces her husband, Leonard, to publish Vita's next book through Hogarth Press. This professional partnership marks the beginning of a deeper, more complicated relationship between the two women.

Hogarth Press
6

Exploring Their Relationship

As Vita and Virginia grow closer, they navigate the tension between admiration and passionate longing. The complexity of their social backgrounds further complicates their burgeoning relationship, causing them to question their compatibility.

7

Visit to Vita's Ancestral Home

Virginia visits Vita's ancestral home, prompting reflections on their stark differences in social standing and background. This visit reinforces Virginia’s insecurities about her capability to love and connects them back to the societal constraints each faces.

Vita's ancestral home
8

The Challenges of Their Relationship

Vita's desire to reveal the true nature of Virginia versus the mythic persona she has constructed creates tension. The push and pull of their relationship leads to confusion and misunderstandings, reflecting the complexities of love.

9

Separation Due to Harold's Responsibilities

When Harold's diplomatic duties separate Vita and Virginia, their emotional truths begin to surface. In their absence from one another, the longing expressed in their letters reveals the depth of their love and the need to explore their bond.

10

Letters as a Means of Connection

The exchange of letters becomes a vital outlet for Vita and Virginia, allowing them to express their hidden feelings and thoughts. These heartfelt exchanges illustrate their mutual dependence as muses and lovers.

11

Reflection on Female Identity

The film delves into the complexities of feminine identity during the 1920s, exploring the societal expectations that bind women. Through Vita and Virginia's relationship, questions about love, revolution, and power emerge.

12

Virginia's Mental Health Struggle

Virginia's well-documented mental health struggles are depicted through artistic metaphors throughout the film. These moments highlight her vulnerability and the challenges she faces, contrasting with Vita's strength and determination.

13

Jealousy and Conflict

Virginia experiences jealousy when she discovers Vita's romantic involvement with another woman. This incident stirs up emotional turmoil and becomes a turning point in their relationship, leading to creative inspiration.

14

Birth of Orlando: A Biography

The turmoil in their relationship culminates in Virginia’s creation of 'Orlando: A Biography.' This work solidifies Vita's place in literary history as a muse and reveals the intense emotional bond they shared.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

Similar Movies to Vita & Virginia
Discover movies like Vita & Virginia that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.