Shirley

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 5, 2020

Genre
Drama, Biography, Psychological Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Elisabeth Moss as Shirley Jackson
• Michael Stuhlbarg as Stanley Hyman
• Odessa Young as Rose Nemser
• Logan Lerman as Fred Nemser

Director
Josephine Decker

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Madeline’s Madeline (2018)
• Butter on the Latch (2013)
• Thou Wast Mild and Lovely (2014)

Producer
Christine Vachon, Elisabeth Moss, David Hinojosa, Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, Sarah Gubbins

Writer
Sarah Gubbins (Screenplay), based on the novel Shirley by Susan Scarf Merrell

Budget
$4 million (estimated)

Production Company
Killer Films, Los Angeles Media Fund (LAMF), Topic Studios

Running Time
107 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Sexual content
• Mature themes

Movie Story
Shirley is a haunting and psychological drama that blurs the lines between reality and fiction as it delves into the life of renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson. Set in the 1950s, the film explores the complex dynamics between Shirley Jackson, her husband Stanley Hyman, and a young couple, Rose and Fred Nemser, who come to live with them.

Elisabeth Moss delivers a captivating performance as Shirley, a writer struggling with her latest work while grappling with mental health issues and the pressures of her marriage. Michael Stuhlbarg portrays Stanley, Shirley’s husband, a literature professor whose charming exterior masks a manipulative and controlling nature. The arrival of Rose and Fred Nemser, a young and impressionable couple, further complicates the already tense atmosphere in the Jackson-Hyman household.

As Shirley and Rose develop an intricate and unsettling relationship, the film explores themes of creativity, madness, and the often-destructive nature of genius. Shirley becomes increasingly fixated on Rose, using her as inspiration for her new novel, but the relationship between the two women soon takes on a darker and more ambiguous tone.

The film is not a straightforward biopic; instead, it uses elements of psychological thriller and gothic horror to create an intense, atmospheric narrative that mirrors the themes of Shirley Jackson’s own work. Shirley blurs the boundaries between the characters’ internal and external realities, creating a disorienting and immersive experience that reflects the protagonist’s mental state.

Special Effects
Shirley relies on atmospheric cinematography, unsettling sound design, and meticulous production design to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the film. The special effects are minimal, focusing instead on the psychological and emotional impact of the story. The film’s visual style is integral to its mood, with muted colors, close-ups, and claustrophobic framing that reflect Shirley’s turbulent inner world.

Box Office Performance
Shirley had a limited theatrical release and was simultaneously released on streaming platforms. The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Elisabeth Moss’s performance, and found its audience among fans of psychological dramas and literary biopics.

Filming Locations

• Jefferson Heights, New York, USA
• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “What happens to all lost girls? They go mad.” – Shirley Jackson
• “You were invited here to be an ally. To observe her genius.” – Stanley Hyman

Behind-the-Scenes
Shirley is based on the novel by Susan Scarf Merrell, which fictionalizes a period in the life of Shirley Jackson. Director Josephine Decker and screenwriter Sarah Gubbins sought to create a film that was as much a psychological exploration of its characters as it was a portrayal of the creative process. Elisabeth Moss’s portrayal of Shirley Jackson was widely praised for its intensity and depth, capturing the complexity of the character with nuance and power.

Awards

• Won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Auteur Filmmaking at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival
• Nominated for Best Actress (Elisabeth Moss) at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards

Final Verdict
Shirley is a mesmerizing and unsettling psychological drama that offers a deep dive into the mind of a brilliant but troubled writer. Elisabeth Moss’s performance anchors the film, bringing Shirley Jackson’s complexities to life with an intensity that is both compelling and disturbing. Fans of character-driven stories, literary biopics, and psychological thrillers will find Shirley a richly rewarding experience.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10