Review of Suffragette (2015) by Foxgrove — 23 Oct 2015

The viewer certainly suffers watching 'Suffragette' but, unfortunately, not for the reasons hoped for. This is stultifying and monotonous drama from the pen of Abbi Morgan whose achievements are lessening with every film written.

Whilst the subject is undoubtedly an important one it is told in such an unsubtle and plodding manner that one couldn't care less. The production design demonstrates an appropriately dark and bleak existence lived by the women working in the sweatshop.

The costumes also perfectly capture the period. However, good production values can only assist a film so far. Even the performances are uneven. Carey Mulligan battles vainly with the material but her impact is less than expected, although a scene with her son does leave one in danger of shedding a tear.

Anne Marie Duff is overly passionate. Meryl Streep is hokey and Helena Bonham Carter is,well, Helena Bonham Carter! The film is flatly directed without nuance and the only surprise to be taken away from proceedings is thrown up at the end titles.

Here we are shown a list of the year in which different countries gave women the right to vote. Switzerland's late listing is,for a European country, as surprising as it is shameful.