Acclaimed Brontë Sisters Drama 'To Walk Invisible' Now Available on BBC iPlayer
The celebrated period drama To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters, which first captivated audiences when it aired on the BBC in 2016, has made its return to the broadcaster's streaming platform. This masterful production, written and directed by the acclaimed Sally Wainwright, delves into the remarkable true story of literary pioneers Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë during a pivotal three-year period in the 1840s.
A Story of Secrecy and Societal Barriers
The series focuses intensely on the period when the three sisters, operating from their home in Haworth, Yorkshire, secretly authored and published their now-iconic novels. To circumvent the gender prejudices of Victorian society, which often dismissed female writers, they adopted the masculine pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. Their groundbreaking works, including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, would eventually revolutionise English literature.
To Walk Invisible portrays the formidable personal challenges the sisters faced. The narrative is driven by their difficult home life, their ailing father Patrick Brontë, and the destructive addiction of their brother Branwell. The drama powerfully illustrates how these domestic struggles fuelled their creative determination, ultimately leading to individual literary fame intertwined with personal tragedy as they fought for recognition in a male-dominated world.
Stellar Cast and Creative Vision
Helmed by Sally Wainwright, the creative force behind other period successes like Gentleman Jack, the series boasts a formidable cast. Finn Atkins delivers a compelling performance as the ambitious Charlotte, while Chloe Pirrie captures the fierce independence of Emily. Charlie Murphy portrays the quieter determination of Anne, and the legendary Jonathan Pryce brings depth and sympathy to the role of their father, Patrick.
The production has been widely praised for its authentic period detail, from the breathtaking Yorkshire landscapes and meticulous costuming to the immersive set designs that recreate the Brontës' parsonage home.
Rave Reviews from Critics and Viewers
Since its release, the drama has garnered effusive praise, with many fans and critics hailing it as a definitive portrayal of the literary family.
One five-star review described it as "beyond incredible", applauding the fantastic acting, costuming, and set designs. The reviewer noted that even those unfamiliar with the Brontës' work would find a powerful study of family dynamics within the film.
Another review celebrated it as a "beautifully written movie" with amazing performances and breathtaking scenery, stating that the story was profoundly inspiring and changed their perspective.
Longtime Brontë admirers have particularly valued the production's authenticity. One viewer, a self-described lifelong admirer who has visited Haworth multiple times over decades, called it a "very special achievement". They praised the compelling storylines, cast, direction, and production standards, noting that each family member feels true to character in a way previous adaptations had failed to achieve.
A further review highlighted the series' "more sympathetic view of Patrick Brontë", played touchingly by Jonathan Pryce, which adds immense empathy to the narrative. The drama is noted for focusing on a specific, intense slice of time that culminates in the sisters' artistic breakthrough, making their story all the more powerful.
To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, offering a compelling and visually stunning insight into the lives of one of literature's most famous families.
