Watch Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley is a 2017 biographical drama film about the life of the famous author, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, who wrote the iconic novel, Frankenstein. The movie is directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and stars Elle Fanning as the titular character, with Bel Powley playing her stepsister, Claire Clairmont, and Owen Richards playing her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The story of Mary Shelley is set in early 19th century England, primarily in London and Geneva, Switzerland. Young Mary Godwin is an intelligent and rebellious teenager, living with her father, William Godwin, a famous writer and philosopher, and her stepmother, Mary Jane Clairmont. Her father encourages her interest in writing, but he's also overprotective and dismissive of her opinions, which prompts Mary to seek solace in books and poetry.

One day, when Mary is still a teenager, she meets the handsome and charismatic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, who's already married with a child. Mary and Percy fall in love, and despite the societal restrictions and disapproval of their families, they start a tumultuous relationship full of passion and intellectual conversations.

In the midst of their affair, Mary and Percy run away to Switzerland with Mary's stepsister, Claire Clairmont, and the famous poet, Lord George Gordon Byron. They spend a summer together, enjoying a bohemian lifestyle, discussing literature and philosophy, and exploring the countryside. During their stay in Switzerland, the idea for Frankenstein is born out of a conversation between Mary and Percy about the possibility of creating life through science.

However, Mary's personal life is plagued by tragedy and loss. Her half-sister, Fanny, commits suicide, and her first child with Percy dies shortly after birth. Mary's own health deteriorates due to numerous miscarriages and the resulting depression.

As the years pass, Mary struggles to find her place in society as a female writer and a mother. She faces rejection from publishers and critics, who dismiss her work as mere "female scribbling." Despite these obstacles, Mary persists in her writing, channeling her own painful experiences into her work.

The movie portrays Mary Shelley as a complex and fascinating character, who defies societal norms and strives for artistic and intellectual freedom. Elle Fanning delivers a powerful and emotional performance as Mary, conveying her strength, vulnerability, and determination. Bel Powley and Owen Richards also shine in their respective roles as Claire and Percy, showcasing the complex relationships and dynamics within Mary's circle.

Overall, Mary Shelley is a poignant and engaging film that explores the life of one of the most influential authors of the 19th century. It's a story about love, loss, creativity, and perseverance, and it's sure to capture the hearts of viewers who appreciate a well-crafted historical drama.

Mary Shelley is a 2018 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 49.