The French Lieutenant's Woman 1981

The film intricately weaves together two captivating narratives that explore themes of passion and self-discovery. In the first story, we find ourselves in a beautifully rendered Victorian era, where the esteemed palaeontologist, Charles Smithson, portrayed by Jeremy Irons, becomes deeply involved with the enigmatic Sarah Woodruff, famously dubbed “the French lieutenant’s woman,” brought to life by Meryl Streep as [Meryl Streep]. Their budding romance blossoms amidst the scenic charm of Lyme Regis, as they both face the challenges posed by their innermost desires and the rigid expectations of society.

Meanwhile, in a correlating contemporary storyline, we witness the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a modern film production, where Anna (Meryl Streep) and Mike (Jeremy Irons) are tasked with portraying these very characters on screen. Their own tumultuous relationship simmers beneath the surface, fraught with the repercussions of their existing marriages.

As the connection deepens between Charles and Sarah, he finds himself caught in a conflict between his duty to Ernestina, played by Lynsey Baxter, and the magnetic pull of this mysterious woman. Their clandestine encounters on the Undercliff pave the way for a passionate night in a hotel in Exeter, which irrevocably changes their lives. The ensuing chaos results in the shattering of Charles’s engagement, and Sarah vanishes into obscurity. The aftermath sees Charles struggling with a declining social status and finding himself mired in a contentious legal battle with Ernestina.

Three years later, a twist of fate sees Sarah return, having taken an unexpected path as a governess for a family in the Lake District. In a bid to reconnect, she reaches out to Charles, revealing her need for time alone to rediscover herself. Initially consumed by rage, Charles gradually embraces forgiveness, leading to a poignant reunion on the tranquil waters of Windermere, where their love story may find renewal.

As for the contemporary plot, the affair between Anna and Mike simmers ever closer to the surface as they engage in the film adaptation of their characters’ lives. As filming comes to an end, Mike’s yearning for continued closeness is met with Anna’s growing reticence as she gravitates back toward her French husband. This tension culminates in a wrap party where, without a word, Anna leaves, devastating Mike.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Mike calls out to Anna, using her character’s name, Sarah, just as she drives away from the set, harkening back to the transformative journey that both couples have embarked on and the redemption once found by Charles and Sarah.