PERIOD DRAMA FANS CLAIM IS ‘OUTSTANDING' WILL ONLY STREAM ON BBC IPLAYER FOR 27 MORE DAYS

Fantastically timed with the release of Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation, the Emily Brontë movie Emily aired on February 8, which means that it's now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Released in 2022 and written by Frances O'Connor, the film presents a partially fictionalised account of Emily's life and the circumstances that inspired her to create one of the most renowned books in history.

The semi-fictional narrative centres around the iconic author Emily Brontë and explores how her bond with William Weightman served as the muse for her timeless work, Wuthering Heights. The impressive cast features Emma Mackey from Sex Education, Fionn Whitehead from Great Expectations, Oliver Jackson-Cohen from The Haunting of Hill House, Alexandra Dowling from Sweetpea, Gemma Jones from Bridget Jones, and Adrian Dunbar from Line of Duty.

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As is common with movies on BBC iPlayer, this one can only be viewed for a short period. In this instance, Emily is available for just the next 27 days, and currently, it is not included in any other streaming subscription.

Even though Emily Brontë is regarded as one of the most renowned English authors throughout history, her reclusive personality during her lifetime has made it challenging for biographers and historians trying to learn more about her.

It was mentioned that Emily never formed friendships beyond her family and that she was quite unsociable with a notably shy disposition.

In 1848, at the age of 30, Emily passed away due to tuberculosis. Her death occurred just a year after the publication of her esteemed novel Wuthering Heights.

A few years back, the movie Emily featured Emma Mackey in the lead role, aiming to highlight her life.

Given the limited information available, it required some creative freedom to narrate her story, which included a made-up romantic involvement with the young curate William Weightman.

Nonetheless, it received widespread critical acclaim and currently boasts an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a huge amount of positive reviews.

Judith K wrote: "This is a beautifully imagined portrait of Emily Bronte. It is apparently a fictionalised account designed to illustrate and explain a genius who lived far from the cultural and literary centres of England, but who nonetheless succeeded in writing one of the most epic and well-read English novels. I found this characterisation enchanting and captivating. The script, acting, and cinematography are outstanding. I found the movie beautiful and fascinating!"

Sinead W said: "I know some people say this isn't accurate, but it's such an amazing story. Great acting aswell. I absolutely loved it. I got a sense that Emily was autistic aswell. Not that she definitely was, but a lot of the traits are there in this movie. She was so misunderstood, very relatable to many talented autistic girls and women."

Jane M commented: "I absolutely loved this movie - tragic but exhilarating all at the same time. Shows how people are people, no matter what era or culture. There are the typical controlling family members, but shows how love in different forms can free oneself and hold one prisoner as well. A must see."

John M said: "Brilliant filmmaking. Emma Mackey has once again demonstrated that she is perhaps the most versatile, engaging and compelling actor of the current era. I adored this film."

Heather M added: "Wonderful film. Used to love these old English literary classic kind of films in my teens/early 20s, but thought I grew out of them. This has definitely reignited the love. In my early 30s now, and this was just brilliant."

2026-02-11T05:04:42Z