Wild Nights with Emily (2018) is a historical dramedy that reexamines the life of famed American poet Emily Dickinson, challenging the long-standing perception of her as a reclusive and melancholic figure. The film, directed by Madeleine Olnek, presents a fresh and humorous take on Dickinsonโs life, revealing her passionate love affair with Susan Gilbert, her lifelong friend, muse, and sister-in-law. Through a mix of comedic and poignant moments, the movie sheds light on how Dickinsonโs poetry was shaped by her personal experiences, particularly her deep, romantic relationship with Susan.
The filmโs narrative unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, interweaving present-day commentary with flashbacks to Dickinsonโs life in the 19th century. Molly Shannon portrays Emily with wit and warmth, offering a stark contrast to the traditionally somber portrayals of the poet. The story follows Dickinsonโs struggles to get her poetry published in a male-dominated literary world, where editors often altered her work to fit conventional expectations. Despite these challenges, Emily remained dedicated to her unique style, producing a vast collection of poems that would later be recognized as some of the most groundbreaking in American literature.
At the heart of the film is Emilyโs relationship with Susan, played by Susan Ziegler. Their bond is depicted as both intellectually and physically intimate, contradicting the historical erasure of Dickinsonโs queerness. The film suggests that many of Dickinsonโs most passionate poems were inspired by Susan, yet history has largely misinterpreted or ignored this aspect of her life. Meanwhile, Emilyโs work falls into the hands of Mabel Loomis Todd, an ambitious woman who takes it upon herself to edit and publish Dickinsonโs poetry posthumously. Mabelโs revisions strip the poems of their original complexity, reinforcing the misleading image of Dickinson as a lonely spinster rather than the passionate and rebellious writer she truly was.
The film cleverly critiques the ways in which history is shaped by those who control the narrative. By juxtaposing scenes of Emilyโs vibrant, love-filled life with Mabelโs calculated efforts to sanitize her legacy, Wild Nights with Emily highlights the erasure of womenโs voices, particularly those of LGBTQ+ figures. The movieโs satirical tone and sharp dialogue bring humor to what might otherwise be a tragic tale of historical distortion. However, it never loses sight of its deeper themesโlove, authorship, and the ongoing struggle for artistic integrity.
Wild Nights with Emily offers a refreshing and necessary revision of Emily Dickinsonโs life, presenting her as a witty, passionate, and determined poet who defied societal norms. By embracing a more truthful and inclusive narrative, the film challenges outdated perceptions of Dickinson and invites audiences to see her work in a new light. With its engaging performances and bold storytelling, the movie provides an entertaining yet thought-provoking exploration of one of Americaโs greatest literary figures, ensuring that Emily Dickinsonโs legacy is celebrated in all its complexity.
