Ammonite

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 13, 2020

Genre
Romantic Drama, Historical

Cast & Crew

• Kate Winslet as Mary Anning
• Saoirse Ronan as Charlotte Murchison
• Fiona Shaw as Elizabeth Philpot
• Gemma Jones as Molly Anning
• Alec Secareanu as Dr. Lieberson
• James McArdle as Roderick Murchison

Director
Francis Lee

Other Movies Director is Known For

• God’s Own Country (2017)

Producer

• Iain Canning
• Emile Sherman
• Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly

Writer

• Francis Lee

Budget
$14 million

Production Company

• See-Saw Films
• BBC Films
• BFI

Running Time
117 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Sexual content
• Nudity
• Themes of grief and depression

Movie Story
“Ammonite” is a poignant and tender romantic drama set in the 1840s on the rugged coastline of Lyme Regis, England. The film follows the story of Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), a renowned but underappreciated fossil hunter who spends her days combing the shores for ammonites and other ancient treasures to sell to tourists. Despite her groundbreaking discoveries, Mary lives a solitary and financially precarious life, burdened by the weight of her responsibilities and the lack of recognition for her scientific contributions.

Mary’s world is turned upside down when a wealthy geologist, Roderick Murchison (James McArdle), arrives in Lyme Regis with his young wife, Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan), who is suffering from melancholia. Roderick, aware of Mary’s expertise, asks her to take Charlotte under her wing, hoping that the sea air and change of scenery will lift his wife’s spirits. Reluctantly, Mary agrees, though she is initially cold and distant toward her new companion.

As Mary and Charlotte spend more time together, a deep bond forms between them. The two women, both isolated in their own ways, find solace and understanding in each other’s company. Charlotte, who feels trapped in a life of societal expectations, is drawn to Mary’s strength and independence, while Mary, who has long suppressed her emotions, begins to open her heart. Their relationship gradually blossoms into a passionate romance, with the stormy seaside setting mirroring the intensity of their feelings.

However, their love faces numerous challenges, from the constraints of Victorian society to the personal struggles that each woman must confront. “Ammonite” is not just a love story, but also a meditation on the pursuit of knowledge, the loneliness of genius, and the courage it takes to live authentically. The film’s slow, deliberate pace allows the characters’ emotions to unfold naturally, creating a deeply immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Special Effects
“Ammonite” is a film that relies more on its stunning cinematography and natural settings than on special effects. The rocky shores of Lyme Regis are beautifully captured, with the harsh, unforgiving landscape serving as both a physical and metaphorical backdrop for the characters’ emotional journeys. The attention to detail in the period costumes and set design also helps to transport the audience back to the 19th century.

Box Office Performance
“Ammonite” had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was also available on streaming platforms. Despite its small-scale release, the film received positive critical acclaim, particularly for the performances of Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, though it did not achieve significant box office success.

Filming Locations

• Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, UK
• Eype, Dorset, England, UK
• London, England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “The world is not as you expect it to be, Charlotte.” – Mary Anning
• “I don’t want to go back to that life.” – Charlotte Murchison

Behind-the-Scenes
Francis Lee, the director, conducted extensive research into the life of Mary Anning to bring authenticity to the film, though the romantic relationship between Mary and Charlotte is a fictionalized aspect of the story. Lee has spoken about his desire to explore themes of intimacy and connection, particularly within the context of repressed emotions in a time when such relationships were taboo.

Awards

• BAFTA Award Nomination: Best Costume Design
• British Independent Film Awards: Best Actress (Kate Winslet)
• Independent Spirit Awards Nomination: Best Cinematography

Final Verdict
“Ammonite” is a beautifully crafted film that excels in its portrayal of a deeply intimate and unconventional love story. With powerful performances from Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, the film explores themes of loneliness, passion, and the struggle for recognition in a world that often overlooks the contributions of women. While its slow pace may not appeal to all viewers, those who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven dramas will find “Ammonite” to be a deeply moving experience.

IMDb Rating
6.5/10