The movie Effie Gray tells the true story of the marriage between the famous Victorian art critic, John Ruskin, and his teenage bride, Effie Gray. The couple got married in 1848 when Effie was just 19 years old, and Ruskin was 29. However, their relationship was anything but conventional.
From the start, Ruskin was emotionally distant and refused to consummate their marriage, which left Effie frustrated and unhappy. As time went on, their relationship only worsened, and the couple became increasingly estranged.
In 1854, Effie met the artist John Everett Millais, who was a close friend of Ruskin's. The two fell in love and eventually started an affair. Effie left Ruskin and sued for an annulment on the grounds of non-consummation and cruelty. Ruskin countered with claims of her infidelity with Millais.
The scandal rocked the Victorian society, as it involved some of the most famous figures of the time. The ensuing legal battle was long and bitter, but in the end, Effie was granted an annulment, and she and Millais got married.
The movie explores the complex relationships between Ruskin, Effie, and Millais, as well as the repressive and restrictive nature of Victorian society. It provides a fascinating look at a real-life love triangle and the scandal that shook the Victorian establishment to its core.
