Wild Nights with Emily is a biographical comedy-drama film that delves into the previously unknown vivacious, irreverent side of Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century. The film explores Dickinson's relationship with her close friend and sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert, whom many now believe was her lifelong romantic partner.
While Dickinson's sexuality has long been a subject of speculation, Wild Nights with Emily offers a fresh perspective on the poet's life, challenging the traditional image of a reclusive and introverted spinster. Through witty and incisive dialogue, the film reveals Emily as a passionate and funny woman who loves to engage in lively debates with her peers and play pranks on her family members.
At the center of the film is the intimate relationship between Emily and Susan, which is portrayed as deep, tender, and full of passion. The two women exchange love letters and engage in secret trysts, despite the societal taboos against same-sex relationships in their time. The film suggests that Dickinson's poems, which often touch on themes of love, longing, and loss, were inspired by her personal experiences with Susan.
Throughout the film, Dickinson is shown grappling with the difficulties of being a female writer in a male-dominated society, as well as the challenges of being a queer woman in a world that could not accept her. The film ultimately celebrates Emily's rebellious spirit and her refusal to conform to societal norms, while also shedding new light on her groundbreaking poetry and her enduring legacy.