What Is Wild Nights with Emily About?
The premise of Wild Nights with Emily in 319 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the hushed streets of mid‑nineteenth‑century Amherst, a world of propriety and expectation presses against the quiet rebellion of a modest household. Within this restrained atmosphere, Emily Dickinson cultivates a fierce inner life, channeling the rhythms of nature and the stirrings of her own imagination into verses that flutter on the edges of the conventional. The film paints the town with a palette of soft sepia tones, letting the delicate light through lace curtains and garden gates hint at the unspoken desires that bloom beneath a veneer of decorum.
At the heart of Emily’s world is a deep, almost secretive companionship with her neighbor, Susan. Their connection is woven from shared glances, whispered conversations, and a tender affection that defies the rigid scripts prescribed for women of their era. Together they create a sanctuary where poetry, music, and the simple pleasure of tending a garden become acts of quiet resistance, offering each other the courage to imagine lives beyond the narrow expectations of family and society.
When the prospect of sharing Emily’s work with a broader audience emerges, a determined literary figure enters the scene: Thomas Wentworth Higginson, an editor who recognizes the raw brilliance of her verses. His encouragement is both a beacon and a maze, as he navigates the delicate balance between championing a singular female voice and the commercial realities of the publishing world. Emily must decide how far she is willing to bend her art to fit the mold, or whether to preserve its authentic, unconventional pulse.
The tone of the story is both wistful and defiant, blending the intimacy of handwritten letters with the broader cultural clash of a woman daring to claim her voice. Through lush cinematography and a steadied, contemplative pace, the film invites viewers to linger in the spaces between spoken vows and unvoiced yearnings, leaving the promise of Emily’s poems to echo far beyond the boundaries of her modest cottage.
What Happens in Wild Nights with Emily?
The complete story of Wild Nights with Emily, from the first scene to the last, in 634 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In her teenage years, Emily Dickinson forms a deep friendship with Susan Gilbert during a recital at the Amherst Shakespeare Society, leading to a tender romance as they portray lovers in a scene. After sharing a kiss on a stroll, Emily’s family departs for a month-long trip, allowing Susan to stay with her during their absence. As their affection grows, they artfully hide their relationship from the prying eyes of others.
When Susan receives a teaching job out west, they engage in an extensive exchange of love letters while she is away. To Emily’s dismay, upon Susan’s return, she learns that Susan has secretly become engaged to Emily’s brother Austin. Susan expresses her regrets, revealing that the marriage is a necessary arrangement for her financial security, allowing them to reside adjacent to Emily without raising suspicion about their romance.
Fast forward twenty years, and Emily and Susan live side by side, their bond undiminished as letters flow back and forth, delivered by Susan’s children. Emily shares her collection of poems with Susan, showcasing her creative spirit, often scribbled on scraps and recipe margins, many dedicated to Susan herself. She enjoys nurturing her garden and providing freshly baked bread to neighborhood kids.
However, trouble brews when Susan becomes too occupied to connect with Emily. In her absence, a widowed Kate Scott Turner visits Susan but instead forms an unexpected connection with Emily, staying at her home. Kate’s abrupt departure leaves Emily feeling regretful, wishing she could have bid farewell and given Kate the garters she crafted. Susan, feeling a pang of jealousy, notes that Emily has never made her any such tokens.
Emily’s social circle includes Judge Otis Phillips Lords, an elderly man who amusingly confuses the Brontë sisters and dozes off during their conversation, leaving Emily feeling inadequate when he describes her as “plain.” Just as she offers him assistance, Susan enters, witnessing an awkward moment.
In a significant meeting, Thomas Wentworth Higginson pays a visit to Emily after she expresses a desire to publish her poetry. During their discussion, he outlines the nuances of poetry, particularly emphasizing the distinction between male and female voices in writing. He critiques her work, ultimately advising her that her poems are not yet fit for publication.
Mabel Todd arrives at Emily’s place with the intention of playing the piano, only to be informed by the maid that Emily will be upstairs writing while she performs alone. Soon after moving to Amherst, Mabel begins an affair with Austin, openly indulging in their relationship, even using Emily’s home to rendezvous while Emily remains discreetly in her room. Mabel proposes publishing their scandalous love letters, but Austin dismisses it as too outrageous and urges her to find another creative outlet.
Tragically, Emily becomes gravely ill and ultimately passes away. Her sister Lavinia is left to prepare Emily’s body for burial. After her death, Mabel uncovers a chest brimming with Emily’s poems and letters, only to discover that many intimate pieces were penned to Susan. With Austin’s assistance, Mabel embarks on a mission to erase all mentions of Susan’s name, replacing it with male names to mask the true nature of their relationship.
Years later, as Emily’s literary legacy flourishes, Mabel delivers a lecture to a large audience of society women, claiming that Emily was an eccentric recluse she only witnessed once — in her casket. Mabel asserts that Emily’s poems are meant for the Judge Otis and that she has re-titled them for clarity. Meanwhile, Emily’s niece presents her own talk revealing that Emily and her mother had been secret lovers, but only a handful attend.
The film concludes with informative titles that unveil how recent technological advancements have exposed Mabel’s alterations, confirming that the love letters were indeed addressed to Susan, bringing their hidden relationship to light once more.
Wild Nights with Emily Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Teenage Friendship Blossoms” to “Technological Advances Unveil Truth”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Teenage Friendship Blossoms
Emily Dickinson meets Susan Gilbert during a recital at the Amherst Shakespeare Society. Their shared performance as lovers sparks a deep connection that blossoms into a tender romance, culminating in a significant kiss during a walk together.
Where:Amherst Shakespeare Society
- 2
Family Absence and Growing Affection
With Emily's family embarking on a month-long trip, Susan stays behind, providing the perfect opportunity for their relationship to deepen. They artfully conceal their affection from the outside world, building a bond that thrives in secrecy.
When:During family trip
- 3
Long-Distance Love Letters
As Susan takes a teaching job out west, Emily and she engage in an extensive exchange of love letters. This correspondence highlights their emotional intimacy despite the physical distance separating them.
When:Duration of Susan's teaching job Where:Western United States
- 4
Surprising Engagement
Upon Susan's return, Emily is heartbroken to learn that Susan has become engaged to Emily's brother, Austin. Susan reveals her reasons for the marriage as a financial necessity, attempting to maintain her connection to Emily even amidst this new reality.
- 5
Two Decades of Bonding
Twenty years later, Emily and Susan continue to live side by side, their friendship unchanged. They exchange letters frequently, with Emily sharing her poetry and creative snippets while also caring for her garden and neighborhood children.
When:Twenty years later Where:Amherst
- 6
Jealousy and New Connections
Emily's relationship with Susan faces strain when Susan becomes preoccupied with her own life. During this time, a widowed woman named Kate visits Susan but unexpectedly forms a deeper connection with Emily.
- 7
Miscommunication with Judge Lords
Emily's social interactions include a humorous yet awkward encounter with Judge Otis Phillips Lords. His momentary confusion regarding literary figures leaves Emily feeling insecure about her own contributions to literature.
- 8
Visit from Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Emily expresses her desire to publish her poetry and receives a visit from Thomas Wentworth Higginson. He discusses the complexities of poetic voice, advising her that her work is not yet ready for public consumption while critiquing its nuances.
- 9
Mabel's Arrival and Affair
Mabel Todd arrives to play the piano for Emily but ends up having an affair with Austin. Their illicit relationship unfolds within Emily’s own home, creating an atmosphere of tension and betrayal as Emily remains unaware.
Where:Emily's home
- 10
Illness Strikes
Tragically, illness befalls Emily, leading to her eventual death. As her sister Lavinia undertakes the task of preparing Emily's body for burial, the family grapples with the loss of such a beloved figure.
Show the other 4 events of Wild Nights with Emily Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Mabel Uncovers Emily's Poetry
After Emily's passing, Mabel discovers a chest filled with Emily's poems and intimate letters to Susan. Her disconcerting mission to redact Susan's name and replace it with male counterparts begins, obscuring the true essence of their bond.
- 12
Mabel's Manipulations
Years later, Mabel proclaims herself as an authority on Emily’s life, misleading society with her portrayal of Emily as merely a reclusive eccentric. She misattributes Emily's works, ensuring that Susan's presence is conveniently erased from history.
- 13
Niece's Revelations
During a gathering, Emily’s niece reveals the truth about Emily and her mother's relationship, emphasizing their secret love. However, her talk draws minimal attention, overshadowed by Mabel's authoritative yet inaccurate narrative.
- 14
Technological Advances Unveil Truth
In the film's closing moments, titles reveal how advancements in technology have unveiled the reality of Mabel's alterations to Emily's letters. This new information confirms Susan's crucial role in Emily's life and the authenticity of their love.
Who Are the Main Characters in Wild Nights with Emily?
4 characters, among them Emily Dickinson (Molly Shannon), Susan Gilbert (Amy Seimetz) and Mabel Todd (Amy Seimetz): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Emily Dickinson (Molly Shannon)
Played by Molly Shannon
Emily Dickinson is portrayed as a deeply introspective poet, driven by her complex emotions and her love for Susan. Her creative spirit is illustrated through her poetry and her nurturing nature, as she finds joy in her garden and sharing her baking with neighborhood children. Emily's struggles with societal expectations and her desire for connection form the emotional core of the narrative.
- 📜 Poet
- 💔 Lover
- 🌸 Creative
-
Susan Gilbert (Amy Seimetz)
Played by Amy Seimetz
Susan Gilbert is depicted as Emily's close companion and secret love, navigating the challenges of societal expectations and personal desire. Her character embodies the conflict between practicality and passion as she grapples with her engagement to Austin. Susan's warmth and connection with Emily highlight her inner struggles and emotional depth.
- 💍 Fiancé
- ❤️ Romantic
- 📝 Correspondent
- MT
Mabel Todd (Amy Seimetz)
Mabel Todd is introduced as a complex character who blurs the lines between admiration and opportunism. Her affair with Austin reveals a boldness that contrasts sharply with Emily's reserved nature. Mabel's role in reshaping Emily's legacy and her actions toward her poetry expose the intricacies of fame and the often manipulative nature of literary circles.
- 🎵 Performer
- 💔 Intrusive
- 📚 Literary Figure
-
Thomas Wentworth Higginson (Brett Gelman)
Played by Brett Gelman
Thomas Wentworth Higginson is portrayed as a mentor figure to Emily, embodying the male-dominated literary establishment of the time. His interactions with Emily reflect the challenges women faced in having their voices recognized. While he provides guidance, his critiques also serve as a reminder of the barriers to publication and acceptance of women's work.
- 🎓 Mentor
- 📚 Critic
- 👨🏫 Teacher
Where and When Is Wild Nights with Emily Set?
Wild Nights with Emily is set in Amherst (19th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
19th Century
The movie is set in the 19th century, a time when women's roles were largely confined to domestic spheres, yet intellectual pursuits were increasingly valued. This period also saw the rise of significant literary figures and movements, particularly in American poetry. Exploration of love, identity, and societal constraints is quintessential to this era, particularly as it intersects with the lives of women like Emily Dickinson.
Where
Amherst
Amherst is a small town in Massachusetts, known for its rich literary history and as the home of several prominent authors, including Emily Dickinson. The town features iconic sites related to Dickinson's life, contributing to its charm and allure for literary enthusiasts. The Amherst Shakespeare Society serves as a cultural hub where art and performance intertwine, reflecting the characters' deep engagement with literature.
- 🏡 Location
- 📚 Literature
- 🎭 Theatre
What Are the Themes of Wild Nights with Emily?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Forbidden Love, Artistic Expression and Legacy.
-
01
Forbidden Love
The theme of forbidden love is central to the film, illustrated through Emily and Susan's deep emotional connection that defies societal expectations. Their relationship, kept secret, highlights the constraints placed on women in the 19th century. The poignant exchanges between them underscore the tension between desire and duty.
-
02
Artistic Expression
Artistic expression is explored through Emily's poetry and her relationship with creativity. The film showcases how Emily uses her writing as a means of communicating her innermost feelings, particularly directed towards Susan. Her dedication to capturing fleeting moments in verse accentuates the importance of art as both a personal refuge and a form of resistance.
-
03
Legacy
Legacy plays a crucial role in the film, particularly in how Emily's poems and relationships are remembered and altered after her death. The struggle over the narrative of her life and work reflects the fraught intersection of personal truth and public perception. Mabel's attempts to reshape Emily's legacy underscore the lasting impact of both love and loss.
What Kind of Film Is Wild Nights with Emily?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A bittersweet and defiant historical drama that explores the hidden romance and suppressed literary voice of Emily Dickinson, balancing moments of tender passion with the quiet melancholy of a life lived in the shadow of societal constraints.
- melancholic
- thoughtful
- passionate
- quiet rebellion
- unrequited longing
- defiant
- secret romance
- historical erasure
- female authorship
- lesbian relationship
Content notes: infidelity.
Quiz
How well do you remember Wild Nights with Emily? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Wild Nights with Emily
Stream it on Hoopla and Strand Releasing, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Hoopla 
Strand Releasing Amazon Channel 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
