EFFIE GRAY (12A)
This is a re-release of Richard Laxton’s 2014 period drama based on the real-life marital woes of Victorian art critic John Ruskin and his teenage bride, Euphemia Gray, from a script penned by Dame Emma Thompson.
Ruskin (Greg Wise) falls under the spell of 19-year-old Effie Gray (Dakota Fanning) and they marry.
A formal visit to Ruskin’s parents (David Suchet, Julie Walters) opens Effie’s eyes to the solitude and loneliness that she must bear for the rest of her married life. Ruskin immerses himself in his work while Mrs Ruskin, in particular, constantly undermines Effie.
The gravely ill wife is forced to attend a soiree with Sir Charles Eastlake (James Fox) and Lady Eastlake (Thompson) when she should be tucked up in bed.
The Ruskins travel to Venice where John once again abandons Effie to her own devices in the company of Rafael (Riccardo Scamarcio). He clearly has amorous designs on the worldly unwise wife and takes full advantage of Effie’s naivete.
■ Online from April 19