To Walk Invisible: A Glimpse into the Brontë Sisters’ Struggles and Triumphs
To Walk Invisible is a 2016 British television drama that delves into the lives of the Brontë family, focusing on the relationship between the three famous sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—and their troubled brother, Branwell. Directed and written by Sally Wainwright, the film first aired on BBC One and later on PBS in the United States under the title To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters. The story explores the sisters’ determination to find success as writers despite the constraints of their time, highlighting the pressures and personal battles they faced in a male-dominated world.
The title of the drama is derived from a letter written by Charlotte Brontë to her publisher, reflecting the desire of the Brontë sisters to maintain anonymity while pursuing their craft. They understood the challenges that came with being women in the literary world, leading them to adopt male pseudonyms for their published works.
Plot Overview
Set in 1845, the film begins with the Brontë family at a moment of crisis. Branwell has been dismissed from his position as a tutor, and his behavior is causing anxiety within the household. As their father, Patrick Brontë, suffers from declining health and blindness, the sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, are faced with an uncertain future. Their brother’s reckless behavior, fueled by alcohol, poses a significant threat to the stability of the family, especially since the house they live in is owned by the parish and the family will become fully dependent on Branwell.
In the face of these difficulties, Charlotte becomes determined to publish her writing and encourages her sisters to do the same. The sisters, initially skeptical but inspired by Charlotte’s resolve, agree to have their poems published under pseudonyms—Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell—allowing them to evade gender prejudice. They keep the secret from their father and brother, fearing their disapproval.
As the sisters continue to write, Charlotte’s novel Jane Eyre begins to take shape, while Emily’s Wuthering Heights and Anne’s Agnes Grey are also submitted for publication. Despite the challenges, including Branwell’s spiraling descent into alcoholism and the sisters’ struggles for recognition, their literary works eventually find success. However, Charlotte’s journey is not without disappointment, as her first novel, The Professor, is rejected, while Emily and Anne’s novels are accepted.
The drama also touches on the personal costs of their success. Branwell’s illness worsens, and his eventual death marks a tragic end to the family’s tumultuous chapter. However, the sisters’ literary achievements live on, with Jane Eyre becoming a monumental success.
Themes and Critical Reception
To Walk Invisible beautifully captures the Brontë sisters’ resilience in the face of adversity. The drama is rich with themes of artistic struggle, familial loyalty, and the quest for self-expression. The portrayal of the Brontës’ isolation, as well as their creative brilliance, is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making the film a moving tribute to their legacy.
Critics have praised the film for its strong performances, particularly Adam Nagaitis as Branwell, whose portrayal of the troubled brother adds a raw emotional layer to the drama. The production itself received acclaim for its period authenticity, with filming taking place in the picturesque Yorkshire moors. However, some critics expressed disappointment over certain aspects of the characterization, particularly Branwell’s portrayal and the depiction of Patrick Brontë, which some felt was too mild compared to historical accounts.
Despite these criticisms, To Walk Invisible was hailed as a triumph of storytelling, providing a poignant look into the Brontë family’s struggles and the lasting impact of their literary works. The film not only celebrates their achievements but also paints a vivid picture of the obstacles they faced as women in a society that sought to limit their potential.
Conclusion
To Walk Invisible is a compelling narrative that sheds light on the personal and professional lives of the Brontë sisters. Through the lens of their intimate family dynamics and creative journeys, the drama showcases their indomitable spirit and unrelenting pursuit of literary success. Their legacy as authors continues to inspire generations, and this film serves as a powerful reminder of their enduring influence on the literary world.
To Walk Invisible: A Unique Biopic
The film To Walk Invisible can be watched on several platforms and channels:
- PBS Masterpiece (USA): The film aired on PBS in the United States on March 26, 2017, as part of the Masterpiece Theater series.
- BBC One (UK): The film was broadcast on BBC One in the UK on December 29, 2016.
- BBC iPlayer (UK): You can watch the film online through BBC iPlayer, available with an account if you are in the UK.
- Streaming Platforms: The film may be available on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, but availability can vary depending on your location.
You can check these platforms or other online video services to see if the film is available in your region.
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