Mary Reilly Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A maid falls for her boss and his evil twin, who are the same dude with a bad haircut and a cane, in this Victorian love triangle gone wrong.

🍿 Mary Reilly: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Mary Reilly and Dr. Jekyll

Set in 19th-century London, the film introduces Mary Reilly, a traumatized housemaid working for the esteemed Dr. Henry Jekyll. Mary finds a sense of purpose in her work, drawn to Dr. Jekyll’s intelligence and kindness. However, the arrival of Jekyll’s mysterious assistant, Mr. Hyde, disrupts the household’s delicate balance, casting a shadow of unease and curiosity.

The Enigmatic Mr. Hyde

Mr. Hyde’s presence becomes increasingly unsettling as his erratic behavior and dark nature contrast sharply with Dr. Jekyll’s respected demeanor. Mary is both repelled and fascinated by Hyde, sensing a hidden torment beneath his surface. The film explores the growing tension and Mary’s struggle to reconcile her feelings for both Jekyll and Hyde, unaware of their intertwined identities.

Unveiling the Truth

As the narrative progresses, Mary uncovers unsettling evidence of Jekyll’s experiments and their disturbing consequences. She begins to piece together the truth about Jekyll and Hyde’s dual existence, facing the horrifying reality of the doctor’s fractured psyche. The film intensifies as Mary confronts the implications of Jekyll’s actions and the danger they pose to everyone around them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mary Reilly (Julia Roberts): A traumatized housemaid who develops feelings for her employer, Dr. Jekyll, and his mysterious assistant, Mr. Hyde, while navigating the secrets of Victorian London.
• Dr. Henry Jekyll (John Malkovich): A respected doctor who experiments with the duality of human nature, leading to the creation of his alter ego, Mr. Hyde.
• Mr. Edward Hyde (John Malkovich): The sinister and violent alter ego of Dr. Jekyll, embodying the dark side of human nature and wreaking havoc in London.
• Mr. Poole (George Cole): The loyal and observant butler in Dr. Jekyll’s household, suspicious of the doctor’s activities and the mysterious Mr. Hyde.
• Mrs. Farraday (Glenn Close): The madam of a brothel who becomes entangled with Mr. Hyde, representing the seedy underbelly of Victorian society.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mary Reilly: “He said you have an illness. What kind of an illness?” – Mary directly questions Dr. Jekyll about the nature of his affliction, showing her concern and curiosity.
• Dr. Henry Jekyll: “You might call it a fracture in my soul, something which left me with a taste for oblivion.” – Jekyll hints at the internal conflict and darkness within him when describing his ‘illness’ to Mary.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $47,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,707,094
• Worldwide Gross: $12,379,402

💥 Mary Reilly Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this when it came out and feeling so underwhelmed! I was expecting a horror movie, but instead, it was like watching paint dry. Julia Roberts trying a British accent was… well, interesting, but not in a good way. Malkovich was creepy, as always, but even he couldn’t save this snoozefest. It’s one of those movies I completely forgot about until now.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gothic horror and psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in reinterpretations of classic literature”
  • “Those who appreciate atmospheric and character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gore”
  • “Themes of abuse and trauma”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Frears crafts a visually striking film, but the slow pace and Roberts’ uneven accent detract from the overall impact. Malkovich delivers a suitably unsettling performance, yet the narrative struggles to engage.
• The Washington Post: “A misguided adaptation that replaces suspense with melodrama. Roberts lacks the presence to anchor the story, and the reimagining of Jekyll and Hyde feels more tedious than terrifying.
• Los Angeles Times: “While the film boasts stunning visuals and a committed performance from Malkovich, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The focus on Mary Reilly’s perspective dilutes the horror elements, resulting in a muddled experience.

Audience Reactions

John Malkovich delivers a chilling performance as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.: Malkovich’s acting is consistently praised.

The film’s dark atmosphere and Gothic visuals create a haunting experience.: Viewers appreciate the mood and set design.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking but slow-paced adaptation that fails to engage due to a weak narrative and uneven performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Valerie Martin, which reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ from the perspective of Jekyll’s housemaid.”
• “Tim Burton was originally considered to direct the film, but he chose to direct ‘Ed Wood’ instead.”
• “The film’s production design aimed for a realistic depiction of Victorian London, emphasizing the grim and unsanitary conditions of the era.”
• “Julia Roberts’ casting was controversial, with some critics questioning her suitability for the role of a downtrodden Victorian housemaid.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mary Reilly?

Mary Reilly is currently available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as platforms may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mary Reilly, you might like these similar films:

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931): A classic adaptation of the original Robert Louis Stevenson novella, directly comparable in theme and plot.
• Frankenstein (1931): Explores similar themes of scientific hubris and the creation of a monstrous alter ego.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945): Deals with themes of duality, hidden evil, and the corrupting influence of darkness, albeit through a different narrative.

🛒 Mary Reilly Related Products

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Penguin Classics): The classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, explore the themes of duality and morality that inspired the film.
• Victorian Era Costume Dress: Embrace the Victorian era with an authentic costume dress. Perfect for cosplay, historical reenactments, or themed parties, feel like you’ve stepped straight out of the film.
• Steampunk Goggles – Victorian Inspired Design: Enhance your Victorian look with these stylish steampunk goggles, perfect for cosplay or adding a unique touch to any outfit. Inspired by the film’s aesthetic.
• Jekyll & Hyde Board Game: A strategic board game based on the classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Outwit your opponent to control Hyde or maintain Dr. Jekyll’s sanity in a suspenseful battle of wits.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mary Reilly features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by George Fenton
• “A New Position” – performed by George Fenton
• “The Hands” – performed by George Fenton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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