BBC iPlayer Quietly Releases 'Emily' Drama Ahead of Wuthering Heights Film Premiere
In a subtle yet strategic move, the BBC has added the biographical drama Emily to its iPlayer streaming service, just days before the highly anticipated cinematic release of Wuthering Heights this Friday. The film, which originally aired in 2022, offers viewers a deep and emotional portrayal of the enigmatic author Emily Brontë, whose classic novel is being revived in a new adaptation starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
A Partly Fictionalised Portrait of a Literary Icon
Emily stars Emma Mackey, known for her role in Sex Education, and delves into the struggles Brontë faced as she rebelled against the rigid societal expectations of 19th-century England. The synopsis describes it as a partly fictionalised portrait that focuses on her rebellious spirit, her strong bond with her brother Branwell, and imagines a romantic relationship with the village curate, William Weightman, played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
Emily Brontë, who authored a book of poetry with her sisters Charlotte and Anne, is best known for her 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, published under the pen name Ellis Bell. Despite the novel's enduring success, little is known about her personal life, as she spent most of her time at home after a brief period at school and died of tuberculosis in 1848 at the age of 30. Historians and biographers have long struggled to uncover details, making this film a rare glimpse into her world.
Viewer Acclaim and Critical Praise
Since its release, Emily has garnered widespread acclaim from audiences, with many praising it as a cinematic masterpiece. One viewer called it a "masterful benchmark of cinema", while another described it as "the best movie of the year". A third fan hailed it as a "deep and emotional masterpiece", noting, "This is the best movie I have seen in a while. In this age of basic movies, this is a stand out. The story is gripping, sad, and well acted."
Additional reviews have highlighted its artistic merits, with one stating, "A stunning movie that will last long after the comical period dramas produced today," and another adding, "This is a masterfully-produced piece of art, it's wonderfully acted, beautifully shot, the direction and soundtrack are captivating." Fans have also shared personal experiences, such as one who said, "I usually have it on for background noise while doing chores but found myself standing in front of the tablet completely engulfed. This is spectacular!"
Emma Mackey's Reflections on the Role
In a 2022 interview with British Vogue, Emma Mackey expressed her excitement about being part of the project, saying, "I mean, 15-year-old me is just freaking out about being able to be a part of anything that lets her run around the moors in a corset while screaming her head off." She added a more serious note, emphasising the film's tribute to Brontë's creativity: "More seriously, though, this film is a testament to the power of creativity. When you finally do see Emily writing Wuthering Heights, you’re really alone with her and her thoughts."
Mackey also reflected on Brontë's lack of recognition during her lifetime, noting, "It’s funny because the novel only got its first positive review around 50 years after Emily died. She never got recognised or celebrated in her lifetime. In a lot of ways, this film is our thank you to her – and an acknowledgement of her genius."
Emily is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering a timely and poignant companion piece to the upcoming Wuthering Heights film release.
