16/08/2025
🎬 Ammonite (2020)
Ammonite (2020), directed by Francis Lee, is a haunting and emotionally charged historical drama that takes place in the rugged coastal town of Lyme Regis in 19th-century England. With a compelling story, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances from Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, the film brings to life the complex and forbidden romance between two women from different walks of life, set against the backdrop of paleontology and Victorian societal constraints.
The story follows Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), a self-taught fossil hunter and paleontologist who spends her days combing the cliffs for ancient relics. Her work, though significant to the scientific community, has been largely ignored due to her gender and social status. Mary lives a solitary and modest life, quietly working to support herself and her mother (Gemma Jones), until she meets Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman who has come to Lyme Regis with her wealthy husband to recover from an illness. Charlotte is initially uninterested in Mary’s fossil-hunting work, but as the two women spend more time together, their relationship slowly transforms from one of mutual curiosity to a passionate and forbidden love affair.
Kate Winslet’s performance as Mary is subtle yet powerful, embodying a woman of great intelligence and passion who is stifled by the limitations of her time. Winslet brings a sense of stoic resilience to the role, portraying Mary as a woman who channels her grief and desires into her work, which goes largely unrecognized. Her portrayal captures the loneliness and quiet frustration of a woman who, despite her extraordinary talents, is relegated to the sidelines because of her gender and social position.
Saoirse Ronan, as Charlotte, brings warmth and vulnerability to her character. Charlotte’s journey from an emotionally distant, privileged woman to someone deeply affected by her connection with Mary is beautifully portrayed. Ronan’s chemistry with Winslet is palpable, and their relationship feels both tender and raw. As their bond deepens, both women challenge the constraints of the world around them, finding solace in each other’s arms despite the risks they face.
The film’s slow, deliberate pacing is a reflection of the intimate nature of the story. The quiet, restrained nature of their relationship mirrors the understated beauty of the film itself, with moments of passion and tension building slowly over time. The cinematography, shot by Stéphane Fontaine, is stunning, with the harsh, windswept cliffs and the dark, misty coastline serving as a perfect backdrop to the emotional drama unfolding on screen. The natural beauty of the landscape juxtaposes the characters' inner turmoil and yearning, adding an almost melancholic layer to the film.
The themes of isolation and societal repression are central to Ammonite. In a time when women were expected to remain in the background of intellectual and social life, both Mary and Charlotte defy the roles that society has imposed on them. The film is not only a love story but also a meditation on how love can be both a source of empowerment and a destructive force in an environment that refuses to accept it. The atmosphere is one of yearning, quiet defiance, and sacrifice, as both women find themselves at a crossroads between societal expectations and their own desires.
While Ammonite is undeniably a film about love, it is also about the pursuit of passion and the frustrations of unrecognized genius. Mary Anning’s contribution to paleontology—despite being vital to the field—is largely forgotten or ignored, as the film subtly critiques the historical erasure of women’s achievements. The juxtaposition of Mary’s scientific work and the burgeoning relationship between the two women adds layers of depth to the film, exploring how personal desires and professional ambitions intersect.
In conclusion, Ammonite (2020) is a beautifully crafted, emotionally poignant film that explores love, isolation, and the limitations of societal expectations. With outstanding performances from Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, and a hauntingly atmospheric setting, the film is a moving exploration of a hidden chapter of history. Ammonite is not only a love story but a meditation on the boundaries placed on women in history, and the quiet strength that allows them to break free from those boundaries.
