Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Haifaa Al-Mansour. Transmission Films, M 120 Minutes.
Most moviegoers may be aware of the movie ‘Frankenstein’ being based on Mary Shelley’s famous book but it is Saudi Arabian director Haifaa Al-Mansour (‘Wadjda’) who delivers a dreary insight into the early life of the brilliant British author.
Considering this is Al-Mansour’s first English language film, the story of Mary Shelley (Elle Fanning –‘The Beguiled’) – initially known as Mary Godwin – commences with her working as a 16-year-old in the bookshop of her philosopher father William Godwin (Stephen Dillane –‘Darkest Hour’).
Her difficult relationship with her stepmother, Mary Jane Clairmont (Joanne Froggatt –‘Starfish’), sees Mary sent to Scotland where she falls for the poet Percy Shelley (Douglas Booth –‘Jupiter Ascending’), unaware that he is married and has a young daughter.
After returning to London, Mary is surprised to hear her father has hired Shelley as an apprentice which results in the scandalous love affair flourishing further and their eventual elopement, taking with them Mary’s devoted stepsister Claire (Bel Powley –‘Detour’).
It is during her estrangement from her father and while staying at the lavish home of the eccentric Lord Byron (Tom Sturridge –‘Remainder’), that Mary embarks on a debaucherous relationship with Shelley in addition to creating the character of Frankenstein.
However, Mary soon learns that as an 18th century young woman she is reliant on the support of both Shelley and her father in order to get her book published as well as receive due recognition for her work.
Although there are some interesting facets to Al-Mansour’s bleak biopic it essentially falters by focusing more on Mary’s affair with Percy instead of balancing an intricate storyline with the core motives behind her creation of the monstrous character.
Despite the lack of chemistry between the lead actors it is Fanning who excels in her role as Mary Shelley (following her marriage to the irrepressible Percy), demonstrating both frailty and defiance though her impeccable performance.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 Stars
