TheLittleSongbird This reviewer loves a vast majority of Charles Dickens' work, loving his ability to create rich complex characters, an unparallelled attention to detail to the extent it feels like you're there in the story and while long and sometimes sprawling his stories are so multi-layered and compelling. So seeing a film based on his life and this particular aspect of Dickens' life was immediately appealing.While The Invisible Woman won't (and clearly judging from some of the reviews here, and their criticisms are understandable it isn't) be for all tastes, and while it has flaws and it feels like there is something missing it was to me a good film with many merits, which have been acknowledged by those who didn't like it. Getting the criticisms out of the way, I do agree about the film having some abrupt narrative shifts that gives it a jumpy feel, it's never incoherent, just that it was a little difficult sometimes to keep up with what were the early scenes and what were the later ones. And also that the film drags in places, not helped by some instances of excessively slow or jerky editing/shots or scenes that go on for too long. This is particularly true with the scene where Dickens and Nelly get intimate which was overlong and was really not needed, that is of course my opinion. The Invisible Woman is always intriguing, whether you are familiar of the story or not, and deals with the subject with plenty of intelligence and surprising subtlety but another criticism is that parts could have done with more detail and depth, and they are correct because there are some potentially interesting moments that are introduced but not explored enough. Conversely, The Invisible Woman has many merits, one of which was the acting. Dickens himself is marvellously played by the ever compelling Ralph Fiennes, never feeling like a one-dimensional caricature and he never plays him annoyingly or overwroughtly. Instead while Nelly is clearly the more complex character here this is one expertly portrayal where Dickens is hugely popular but his life is not properly fulfilled due to being married to a woman who does not understand his work. Fiennes also does a confident directing job, though he is absolutely much more comfortable as an actor, which brings out every nuance without being too self- indulgent. As aforementioned, Nelly is the more complex character and it is intricately and affectingly played by Felicity Jones, there is nothing robotic or unemotional at all about her very nuanced approach to 'The Invisible Woman' of the title, and the subtlety in Dickens' and Nelly's relationship was much appreciated. Kristin Scott Thomas is also moving in the most empathetic character in the film, Tom Hollander is very good and surprisingly versatile as Wilkie Collins and one does feel sympathy but also frustration towards Joanna Scanlan's Catherine. Another strong asset was the way The Invisible Woman looks. The period detail is exemplary and remarkably evocative of what living conditions, relationships in families and class differences were like in the Victorian era. It is beautifully shot and makes great use of locations (the scenery is gorgeous) and settings in all their glory. There is a little music here but it is used sparingly, that did work well, if there was constant music, that can be intrusive in films and TV series, the intimacy, nuance and subtlety of the storytelling may not have come through as effectively. So that is a criticism I respectfully disagree with. Abi Morgan's screenplay is underdeveloped in its ideas at times, but is on the whole very intelligently written and the idea to frame the story around the illicit consequences and the history of Nelly's later life with keeping the liason that changed her life a secret coming increasingly strained proved effective in a dramatic sense. The lives of women in the Victorian era (which was very restricted) and interdependence between Dickens and Nelly was similarly brought to life in a well-observed fashion. Narratively it is also not perfect, but it was compelling and anybody who doesn't know an awful lot about this area will be fascinated and want to know more about it. Overall, a good film that doesn't always succeed albeit with a lot of things that are done brilliantly. 7/10 Bethany Cox

kosmasp Charles Dickens and his love. The question would arouse who or what would that be? The question sort of gets answered here. But as the title suggests we get the story of a woman. Which makes this more than just a story about Mr. Dickens. It makes it a time piece, about how society worked back then (probably) and the status of people in society in that era as well.The acting is top notch and you will cherish not only the two main actors but everyone else involved. The civility shown in most cases is almost heart breaking, especially considering what is being done and said (one scene at a birthday party comes immediately to mind, which could be called embarrassing to say the least for both parties involved). Feelings get mixed up and life goes on ... but with what sacrifices? And with what gains?

Gordon-11 This film tells the story of Charles Dickens and his controversial affair with a young woman named Nellie."The Invisible Woman" celebrates love in a very conservative era. Charges Dickens is married to a woman he did not love, and he meets a beautiful young woman who appreciates his literary talent. He makes a bold decision against societal values, and lives in darkness with the invisible woman. It chronicles the power of love. The subtle acting and story telling suit the film's predominant mood, and I enjoyed watching it. Though there are a few subplots that are poorly explained in the film towards the end, I still enjoyed it.

Raven-1969 To love and be loved, and enjoy good company, are two crucial things in life. Such things are more difficult for a starry eyed 17 year old, Nelly, who is drawn towards the ineffable, attached and much older Charles Dickens. She was compelled both to love and to hide. Felicity Jones and Ralph Fiennes aptly bring the true story of Nelly to light. Special effects mar films as often as they help, yet here they are used to good effect. The noise and dirty streets of 19th century London are brought to life in all their glory, or lack thereof. When Nelly and Charles attend a horse race, I felt trampled beneath the hooves, but in a good way (as if I was in the shoes of the characters). The costumes are exquisite and lavish. Jones and Fiennes are amply assisted by the likes of Kristen Scott Thomas and other capable actors. Nelly's story is deeply intriguing and unpredictable, tension is palpable, there is a seamless flow between realistic scenes, an admirable balance is maintained between silence and sound, and I loved learning about Nelly and the author I greatly admire. Felicity Jones is the pulse of this film and my heart rends with hers. Seen at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.