In her youth, the introverted Emily is depicted as a fiercely intelligent young woman who exchanges forthright opinions on life and art – and, more particularly, on the place of women in a patriarchal society.

Emily becomes more and more reclusive as the years pass, gradually withdrawing from society. In her cloistered existence she is consumed by poetry, but the lack of recognition, and her frustrations regarding gender inequality and creative integrity, make for an ever more vociferous dissention…

Stunning in both its sumptuous production design and also in the respect and love that it brings to its subject, the seamless manner in which Dickinson’s sharp-sighted verse is integrated into the narrative is one of ‘A Quiet Passion’s many joys.

Davies’ portrait may just be the perfect match of filmmaker, actress and subject.