AMMONITE

In 1800s England, acclaimed but unrecognized fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) works alone on the rugged Southern coastline. With the days of her famed discoveries behind her, she now searches for common fossils to sell to tourists to support herself and her ailing mother. When a wealthy visitor entrusts Mary with the care of his wife Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), she cannot afford to turn his offer down. Proud and relentlessly passionate about her work, Mary initially clashes with her unwelcome guest, but despite the distance between their social class and personalities, an intense bond begins to develop, compelling the two women to determine the true nature of their relationship.

AMMONITE, from acclaimed British director Francis Lee (GOD'S OWN COUNTRY) is a forbidden-love story (in the same vein as last year's PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE and And Lee's BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN) that transcends its period romance trappings expected in a Merchant Ivory film, and captures the potent chemistry between Winslet and Ronan with sexual frankness. The film is both vital and austere, not unlike the fossilized sea creature that gives the film its title and poignant symbol.