Watch The Mill on the Floss

The Mill on the Floss is a period drama film directed by Graham Theakston and released in 1997. The film is an adaptation of the classic novel of the same name by George Eliot published in 1860. It stars Emily Watson as the protagonist Maggie Tulliver, Cheryl Campbell as her mother Mrs. Tulliver, and James Frain as Maggie's love interest Philip Wakem.

The story is set in the early 19th century in the rural English county of Lincolnshire. It revolves around the life of Maggie who grows up in a rural mill house on the banks of the river Floss. Maggie is a bright, free-spirited and imaginative girl who is passionate about books and learning. However, she faces numerous challenges in her life due to her unconventional ideas and her family's financial struggles.

Maggie's family owns a mill on the river Floss that employs many of the villagers. Her father Mr. Tulliver, played by Bernard Hill, is a proud and stubborn man who is determined to maintain the family's social and economic status in the face of financial difficulties. He wants Maggie to marry well and secure the family's future.

Maggie's relationship with her brother Tom, played by Ifan Meredith, is complex. Tom is a practical and traditional boy who resents Maggie's intelligence and imagines life as a farmer. He is openly hostile towards Philip Wakem, the son of a successful lawyer who is also a hunchback. Despite being ridiculed by the village, Philip becomes Maggie's best friend and intellectual companion.

As Maggie grows up, she falls in love with Philip and dreams of breaking free from her family's expectations. However, her relationship with Philip is opposed by her family, especially her brother Tom. At the same time, Maggie's family faces financial ruin due to Mr. Tulliver's legal battle with the Wakem family over the river Floss. This causes a rift between the Tullivers and the Wakems, further complicating the relationship between Maggie and Philip.

The Mill on the Floss is a richly detailed and highly atmospheric film that captures the beauty and hardship of life in rural England in the early 19th century. The cinematography by John Daly and production design by Simon Holland add to the authentic feel of the film. The score by John E. Keane is haunting and evocative, adding to the emotional intensity of the story.

The performances of the cast are also outstanding, led by Emily Watson's portrayal of Maggie. Watson brings depth and nuance to the character, capturing Maggie's intelligence, sensitivity, and resilience. Cheryl Campbell is also excellent as Maggie's mother, conveying both her love for her daughter and her frustration with her husband's pride. James Frain brings a restrained, yet powerful performance as the sensitive and intelligent Philip Wakem.

Overall, The Mill on the Floss is a beautifully crafted and emotionally engaging film that explores themes of family, love, and individuality. It is a faithful adaptation of George Eliot's classic novel and a must-watch for fans of period dramas.