Review : To Walk Invisible

I was eagerly anticipating the new BBC production about the Brontes written and directed by Sally Wainwright and what a beautiful show she delivered.  I have long admired Wainwright's ability to explore the complexities of families and relationships in her work, it is truly outstanding.

The portrayal of the relationships between the sisters I found particularly interesting. Wainwright seemed conscious about not having Emily and Anne being overshadowed by Charlotte which I understand but I did feel that Charlotte was loosing out in characterisation. Emily and Anne's relationship was beautifully portrayed by Chloe Pirrie and Charlie Murphy but it very much dominated scenes leaving Charlotte (Finn Atkins) on the outside.  It seemed the Gaskell brush once again was painting strokes of dullness and repression for Charlotte's character, far from the the passionate and frustrated nature we can feel from her novels and private letters. The last 40 minutes gives Charlotte some reprieve from this with visible passion and determination for recognition of her and her sisters work, though it is fleeting.

The open display of raw emotions from the men is a far cry from the expectations of Victorian men and Wainwright's decision to embrace opposition of gender expectations from both the men and women makes for fascinating viewing. Brilliantly acted by the entire cast but a special mention has to go to Adam Nagaitis who played Branwell and captured his vulnerability and torment so realistically, making very hard viewing. The struggles and pressures Branwell feels of being a man in Victorian society is evident and acknowledged well by Wainwright. 'Want' and 'need' are throughout opposing one another, Branwell's family need him to sort out his life but whether he wants to is another matter, one that Charlotte also questions. The visible anguish Branwell caused Patrick Bronte ( Jonathan Pryce) was also very moving.

The cinematography throughout is utterly stunning and heightened in the use of dream sequences which flowed seamlessly between reality. I loved the transition to the Bronte Parsonage in the present day at the end which was done in such a natural way, as though one might have stepped into another room. It serves as reminder of the Bronte's timeless impact on generations of literary lovers. Long may it continue!

Hx