Ammonite (2020) is a historical romantic drama set in the 1840s, inspired by the life of British paleontologist Mary Anning. The film follows Mary (Kate Winslet), a reclusive and fiercely independent fossil hunter who makes a modest living selling her discoveries along the rugged English coastline of Lyme Regis. She dedicates her life to her work, tirelessly combing the beaches for ammonites and other prehistoric remains. However, despite her significant contributions to paleontology, she is largely unrecognized by the male-dominated scientific community. Her quiet and isolated life takes an unexpected turn when she is tasked with caring for Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), the young wife of a wealthy geologist. Charlotte, suffering from melancholia, is left in Maryโs care by her husband, who believes the sea air and Maryโs company will aid in her recovery. Initially, Mary is reluctant to take on this responsibility, resenting the imposition on her already difficult life.
As Charlotte recovers from her illness, she gradually becomes fascinated by Maryโs work and the meticulous care she puts into fossil hunting. What begins as an arrangement of convenience slowly transforms into a deep and passionate connection. The two women, both constrained by the rigid expectations of Victorian society, find solace in each otherโs company. Their relationship develops in small, quiet momentsโshared glances, lingering touches, and the unspoken understanding of their mutual loneliness. The film captures this gradual shift with breathtaking cinematography, using the rugged coastline as a metaphor for the isolation and resilience of its characters. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of crashing waves, rocky shores, and harsh winds, mirroring the intensity of their emotions and the challenges they face.
As their bond deepens, Mary and Charlotte are confronted with the reality of their situation. Charlotteโs privileged background and societal obligations threaten to separate them, while Mary, hardened by years of solitude and personal loss, struggles to fully embrace the happiness she has found. The film poignantly explores the themes of loneliness, longing, and the struggle for companionship in a world that refuses to acknowledge their love. Their moments together are fleeting yet profound, offering each other a sense of belonging they have never experienced before. The film also subtly critiques the gender roles of the time, highlighting how womenโs contributions to science and society were often overlooked or dismissed.
In the final act, the weight of reality sets in as Charlotteโs husband returns, expecting her to resume her role as his wife. He offers her stability and a return to the life she knew, something that Mary, despite her deep feelings, cannot provide. Their farewell is both heartbreaking and inevitable, leaving both women forever changed by their time together. The open-ended conclusion invites the audience to reflect on the impermanence of love and the sacrifices required to pursue oneโs truth. The film does not offer easy resolutions but instead lingers in the quiet devastation of their parting, allowing the audience to feel the weight of their loss.
With masterful direction by Francis Lee, Ammonite delivers a deeply emotional and visually stunning portrayal of forbidden love. Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan give powerful performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The filmโs use of natural lighting, minimal dialogue, and evocative cinematography further enhances its intimate and immersive storytelling. Ammonite is more than just a romance; it is a tribute to those who have loved against all odds, a meditation on the quiet strength of women who refuse to be defined by the limitations imposed upon them. It stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience of love, even in the face of societal constraints and personal hardships.
