Originally released in 2014, acclaimed British period drama EFFIE GRAY returns for a virtual cinema and Blu-Ray release.
Based on an original screenplay by Oscar winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson (THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY), EFFIE GRAY stars Dakota Fanning as nineteen year-old Effie, who marries art critic John Ruskin (Greg Wise) – well-meaning and mannered, but cold of demeanour – whose own parents (David Suchet and Julie Walters) are determined to ensure that he has the right place and prestige in society amongst the artistic elite from their abode in Denmark Hill.
Effie is struggling to adapt, not least in Ruskin’s own refusal to embrace his new, young wife and a social dinner with the head of the Art Museum (James Fox) and his wife (Emma Thompson) goes a little bit pear-shaped when Effie falls ill on the night of this crucial of crucial events, with considerable embarrassment for Ruskin and his family.
A doctor (Robbie Coltrane) suggests the open air and spaces of Effie’s native Scotland, where Ruskin plans to have his portrait painted by Pre-Raphaelite Brother painter John Everett Millais (Tom Sturridge) in the open and stormy spaces. However, Effie is determined to find some spiritual and sexual satisfaction in an act of defiance that could affect the three of them and those around them….
As competent a British costume drama as you’ll get this side of the Millennium, EFFIE GRAY sparkles with all the trimmings of the genre that British film-makers do so well to consistent satisfaction. It admittedly can feel like it is by-the-numbers, but the period is well-realised and presented in a very involving way, with excellent cinematography, costume design, make-up and hair and impeccable production values, backed up by a luscious orchestral score.
Well worth another look if you missed it on its’ 2014 release.
EFFIE GRAY WILL BE RELEASED ON 19th APRIL 2021, AND ON 31ST MAY AS A SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION DVD & BLU-RAY
