Fans of period dramas, particularly those inspired by the brilliant Brontë sisters, are in for a real treat. A little-known film is being praised as the 'most authentic and real' portrayal of their lives. Available to stream at no charge on BBC iPlayer, this underappreciated treasure has received rave reviews from all corners, with audiences left captivated by how accurate and genuine the narrative and its settings appear.
Authentic Locations and Set Design
The majority of the film's shooting occurred on location in Haworth, West Yorkshire, where the sisters actually spent their childhood. A three-storey, wooden life-size recreation of the Brontë Parsonage and its rooms was built with meticulous precision on Penistone Hill in Penistone Country Park, relatively near to the actual building's site.
To Walk Invisible initially aired in the UK on BBC One in December 2016 and in the US on PBS as part of the broadcaster's Masterpiece series in March 2017. Since its transmission, the film has received outstanding reviews, though it has remained somewhat of a hidden and underrated treasure.
Written and Directed by Sally Wainwright
Written and directed by Sally Wainwright, the period drama centres on the life and dynamics between the three Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, and their brother Branwell. BAFTA-winning writer-director Sally Wainwright's portfolio includes Happy Valley, Scott and Bailey, and Gentleman Jack amongst others, and numerous of her programmes have secured multiple BAFTAs and other distinguished accolades throughout the years.
The drama's title derives from a letter that Charlotte Brontë penned to her publisher about an encounter with a clergyman who failed to recognise that she was the renowned Currer Bell. Charlotte believed it served her and her sisters well that they remained unknown, as she expressed in her correspondence: 'What author would be without the advantage of being able to walk invisible?'
Cast and Performances
To Walk Invisible features Finn Atkins as Charlotte Brontë, Charlie Murphy as Anne Brontë, Chloe Pirrie as Emily Brontë, and Adam Nagaitis as Branwell Brontë, alongside Jonathan Pryce and James Norton. Rosie Boore, Lara McDonnell, Talia Barnett, and Troy Tipple portray the younger versions of the Brontë siblings.
The production has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike. One audience review said: 'This was beyond incredible! The acting, costuming and set designs fantastic. If I had never been a Bronte-ite, I would have enjoyed it just for the study of family dynamics. Anyone would find something wonderful in this film.'
An IMDB review noted: 'It positively reeks of authenticity. The sisters form the nucleus of the story while the ancillary characters orbit them at just the right distance. Each sister is fully actuated and differentiated as a stand-alone character, individual in her own right. I finished the movie with a determination to visit their home again and re-read all of their work.' Another user added: 'Real and accurate portrayal of the Bronte family. This drama was in my opinion the best attempt yet to accurately portray the Bronte family who lived in very difficult times and circumstances. It was gritty, real and brutal. All three sisters were remarkable, all in their own way. Spot on. Ten out of ten!'
One viewer commented: 'This film feels to me like THE depiction of the Brontes for our age. It is compelling each time I watch it (3 times now). I loved the very end sequence of transition too. It made me feel so close to the characters. Basically I think this film is excellent.' Another delighted viewer said: 'As other reviewers have said, this was almost certainly the best portrayal of the Brontes' lives that's ever been made. The three actresses who played the sisters were excellently cast; the chap who played Branwell was also very good, just managing to make the man appear pathetic rather than ridiculous. All in all, a fairly superb piece of scriptwriting and film-making - no genuine fan of the Brontes should be at all disappointed by it.'
Critics echoed the praise, with one saying: 'To Walk Invisible presents the Bronte sisters as they've never quite been seen before.'
To Walk Invisible is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
