Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Gentleman Jack is a historical lesbian romance set in the 1830s. It’s based on the collected diaries of Anne Lister, who wrote extensively about her life and her lesbian relationships. You can read more about this incredible woman here.
The series starts in 1830, when Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) returns home to Halifax in Yorkshire, from Hastings. She’s brokenhearted because her lover, Vere Hobart (Jodhi May), has left her to marry. As she settles in at the family home, Shibden Hall, which she has inherited from her uncle, she notices that it’s in need of repair. Although the estate is inhabited by Anne’s sister, Marian (Gemma Whelan), her aunt Anne (Gemma Jones), and her father, Capt. Jeremy Lister (Timothy West), they have not little kept the estate up.
While talking to the family’s rent collector, William Briggs (Hywel Morgan), Anne discovers that there is a valuable coal mine on their property. She consults with land steward, Samuel Washington (Joe Armstrong), who advises her on ways so turn a profit with the mine. Anne is impressed and hires him to work with her on the coal pits.
Later, Samuel goes to see Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), who is being visited by her cousin, William Priestly (Peter Davison) and his wife, Eliza (Amelia Bullmore). Samuel tells Ann that he will be working with the Listers, but it won’t interfere with his responsibilities to her. Eliza is thrilled to hear that Anne Lister is back and speaks very well of her. They decide to take Ann Walker over to visit with the Listers so she can meet Anne. And with that visit, Anne Lister becomes smitten by the young heiress, and so the drama begins.
Some Thoughts:
Gentleman Jack is an engrossing story of love, society, and politics. The acting, direction, script, and pacing come together for a witty drama that is a bit tongue cheek at times.
Because Anne Lister takes an interest in her tenants, the film often shows the difference between the rich and the poor. She may be a tough businesswoman, but she’s also very caring and charitable.
Jones does an excellent job showing both sides of Anne Lister. She also keeps the story light by getting cheeky with the audience.
Rundle is no slouch with her portrayal of the emotionally frail Ann Walker. Much like Anne Lister, Ann Walker has two sides, one frail and the other possessing an inner strength she only shows to Anne. It’s easy to see how people would feel as if they can manipulate her, only to be surprised when it doesn’t work. And her romantic interest in Anne is understated yet ever present.
It also helps that Rundle and Jones have a chemistry that makes this outrageous romance plausible. Although Lister comes off as a bit conniving when it comes to romancing Walker, the emotion Lister feels towards her rings true.
There are some incredibly dark and heavy moments, although they’re not dwelled upon despite being brought up periodically. One in particular involves a family who are tormented by their alcoholic father. Another is Ann Walker’s mental health and her conniving relatives.
Where the film faulters is with Ann Walker’s psychological health and wrapping up the story about the coal mine. Neither are handled very well. While the outcome for the coal mine can be assumed, Walker’s emotional state feels as if it’s been forgotten.
The Final Verdict:
Gentleman Jack is an excellent period romance about an important figure in LGBT history. It’s well worth your time, especially if you enjoy a good historical drama.