Ammonite (2020), written and directed by Francis Lee, is a poignant and intimate drama set in 19th-century England. The film explores the passionate and transformative love affair between two women, played by Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, amidst the backdrop of paleontological discovery and societal constraints. With breathtaking cinematography, nuanced performances, and a deeply emotional narrative, Ammonite explores themes of love, longing, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships.

The story follows Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), a reclusive fossil hunter and self-taught paleontologist, who spends her days collecting fossils along the rugged cliffs of Lyme Regis, a small coastal town in Dorset, England. Mary’s life is solitary and financially precarious, as she struggles to make a living from her fossil finds, which are often stolen by wealthy men who claim the credit for her work. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is approached by Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman from a wealthy family, who is sent to Lyme Regis to recover from an emotional trauma. Charlotte is intrigued by Mary’s work and asks for her help in understanding fossils, which leads to an unexpected and deeply emotional connection between the two women.

At its core, Ammonite is a film about the discovery of love in an environment of repression and isolation. The intense chemistry between Mary and Charlotte is palpable, and the film takes its time in exploring the growing affection between them. Initially, their relationship is one of intellectual curiosity, but it soon deepens into something more sensual and intimate. However, the societal constraints of the time loom large over their relationship, as same-sex love was both illegal and taboo in 19th-century England. The film subtly captures the tension between the passion the two women share and the secrecy they must maintain to protect themselves from societal and legal repercussions.

Francis Lee’s direction is understated yet powerful, allowing the emotional depth of the characters and their relationship to unfold organically. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, reflecting the solitude of Mary’s life and the gradual unfolding of the women’s bond. The quiet, almost meditative tone of Ammonite invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the characters’ inner lives. The cinematography, by Stéphane Fontaine, is a visual feast, capturing the stark beauty of the coastal cliffs and the muted colors of the English landscape. The setting plays a crucial role in the film, serving as both a physical and emotional landscape where the characters confront their desires, limitations, and fears.

The performances in Ammonite are nothing short of extraordinary. Kate Winslet gives a masterful portrayal of Mary Anning, a woman who is both fiercely independent and emotionally reserved. Mary is a character who has had to navigate a world that has largely ignored or undervalued her contributions, both as a scientist and as a woman. Winslet brings a raw vulnerability to the role, conveying Mary’s inner turmoil and the complexity of her emotions as she falls in love with Charlotte. Saoirse Ronan, in turn, delivers a tender and nuanced performance as Charlotte, a woman caught between her own desires and the expectations placed upon her by society. Their chemistry is palpable, and their scenes together are charged with longing and tenderness, making their eventual connection all the more powerful.

One of the most striking aspects of Ammonite is its exploration of loss and longing. The relationship between Mary and Charlotte is brief, yet it profoundly changes both women. The film touches on the fleeting nature of love, particularly love that must be hidden and confined by societal norms. The ending of the film is bittersweet, highlighting the emotional complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time. While their romance is intense and passionate, it is also tragic in its impermanence, leaving the characters to confront their emotional scars and the painful separation that follows. The film ultimately asks the viewer to reflect on the sacrifices people make in order to love, and the personal costs of navigating the societal boundaries that restrict such love.

In conclusion, Ammonite (2020) is a beautiful, haunting film that captures the complexities of love, desire, and loss. Through its evocative performances, intimate storytelling, and stunning cinematography, the film immerses the viewer in the emotional and social constraints faced by its two central characters. Francis Lee’s direction and the outstanding work of Winslet and Ronan elevate the film into a deeply moving exploration of the human experience, particularly the longing for connection in a world that often demands silence and repression. Ammonite is a reminder of the power of love, both in its joys and its sorrows, and the sacrifices that often accompany it in a world that does not always understand or accept it.