Wild Nights with Emily

Wild Nights with Emily

Year: 2019

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Madeleine Olnek

HistoryComedy

As 19th-century American iconoclast Emily Dickinson (Molly Shannon) pours out her poetry and passion into her life, she defies societal norms with a lifelong romance with Susan. But as she seeks to share her genius with the world, she faces off against patriarchal gatekeepers, only to be championed by a trailblazing editor who sees her work as the perfect cover for her own unconventional desires.

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Timeline & Setting – Wild Nights with Emily (2019)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Wild Nights with Emily (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

19th Century

The movie is set in the 19th century, a time when women's roles were largely confined to domestic spheres, yet intellectual pursuits were increasingly valued. This period also saw the rise of significant literary figures and movements, particularly in American poetry. Exploration of love, identity, and societal constraints is quintessential to this era, particularly as it intersects with the lives of women like Emily Dickinson.

Location

Amherst

Amherst is a small town in Massachusetts, known for its rich literary history and as the home of several prominent authors, including Emily Dickinson. The town features iconic sites related to Dickinson's life, contributing to its charm and allure for literary enthusiasts. The Amherst Shakespeare Society serves as a cultural hub where art and performance intertwine, reflecting the characters' deep engagement with literature.

🏡 Location 📚 Literature 🎭 Theatre

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:55

Main Characters – Wild Nights with Emily (2019)
Meet the key characters of Wild Nights with Emily (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Emily Dickinson (Molly Shannon)

Emily Dickinson is portrayed as a deeply introspective poet, driven by her complex emotions and her love for Susan. Her creative spirit is illustrated through her poetry and her nurturing nature, as she finds joy in her garden and sharing her baking with neighborhood children. Emily's struggles with societal expectations and her desire for connection form the emotional core of the narrative.

📜 Poet 💔 Lover 🌸 Creative

Susan Gilbert (Amy Seimetz)

Susan Gilbert is depicted as Emily's close companion and secret love, navigating the challenges of societal expectations and personal desire. Her character embodies the conflict between practicality and passion as she grapples with her engagement to Austin. Susan's warmth and connection with Emily highlight her inner struggles and emotional depth.

💍 Fiancé ❤️ Romantic 📝 Correspondent

Mabel Todd (Amy Seimetz)

Mabel Todd is introduced as a complex character who blurs the lines between admiration and opportunism. Her affair with Austin reveals a boldness that contrasts sharply with Emily's reserved nature. Mabel's role in reshaping Emily's legacy and her actions toward her poetry expose the intricacies of fame and the often manipulative nature of literary circles.

🎵 Performer 💔 Intrusive 📚 Literary Figure

Thomas Wentworth Higginson (Brett Gelman)

Thomas Wentworth Higginson is portrayed as a mentor figure to Emily, embodying the male-dominated literary establishment of the time. His interactions with Emily reflect the challenges women faced in having their voices recognized. While he provides guidance, his critiques also serve as a reminder of the barriers to publication and acceptance of women's work.

🎓 Mentor 📚 Critic 👨‍🏫 Teacher

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:55

Major Themes – Wild Nights with Emily (2019)
Explore the central themes of Wild Nights with Emily (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

The theme of forbidden love is central to the film, illustrated through Emily and Susan's deep emotional connection that defies societal expectations. Their relationship, kept secret, highlights the constraints placed on women in the 19th century. The poignant exchanges between them underscore the tension between desire and duty.

📜 Artistic Expression

Artistic expression is explored through Emily's poetry and her relationship with creativity. The film showcases how Emily uses her writing as a means of communicating her innermost feelings, particularly directed towards Susan. Her dedication to capturing fleeting moments in verse accentuates the importance of art as both a personal refuge and a form of resistance.

🕊️ Legacy

Legacy plays a crucial role in the film, particularly in how Emily's poems and relationships are remembered and altered after her death. The struggle over the narrative of her life and work reflects the fraught intersection of personal truth and public perception. Mabel's attempts to reshape Emily's legacy underscore the lasting impact of both love and loss.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:55

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