I think that this was one of my most anticipated films of the year. Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan starring in a period piece where they fall in love? Sign me up! I’m still beating myself up for not getting tickets to see it at TIFF. Instead I had to wait ages for it to be released to the public and when I finally got my hands on it, I was excited. Unfortunately, this wasn’t worth the hype or the wait. In fact, it wasn’t at all like I had hoped it would be.

Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) is a palaeontologist who works on her own, selling fossils to tourists in order to support her mother. When she is approached to care for a customer’s wife, Charlotte, (Saoirse Ronan), Mary’s life is forever changed.

I initially wanted to see the film because of its two female leads. I love them both separately and have supported their careers for as long as I can remember. Both of their talent shined through in these roles and their chemistry was on fire.

But that is where the enjoyment ended for me. I did not find the story to be interesting or original. Instead, it was predictable and bland. Also, I don’t understand why there is always the obstacle of a man when it comes to two women falling in love. I’m sure it doesn’t happen that way in real life?

On top of that, I thought that the pacing was incredibly slow. The first half of the film especially seemed to go by at a snail’s pace and it was hard for me to stay invested as a result.

In conclusion, I am glad that Ammonite was the last new movie I watched this year. I only wish it had lived up to my expectations.

Rating: ♥♥♥