Jane Eyre

The 2011 British-American romantic gothic drama, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and written by Moira Buffini, is based on Charlotte Brontë's novel of the same name. The film follows orphan Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska), who, after a harsh upbringing under her cruel aunt Mrs. Reed (Sally Hawkins) and the strict Lowood School, becomes a governess at the gloomy Thornfield Hall. There, she cares for young Adèle Varens (Romy Settbon Moore) and gradually forms a bond with the estate's master, Mr. Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender), a man of stern demeanor and mysterious past. Their relationship deepens despite social barriers and personal reservations, but Jane's happiness is threatened when she discovers Rochester's dark secret—a mad wife, Bertha (Valentina Cervi), hidden in the attic. Devastated by the revelation, Jane leaves Thornfield and finds refuge with clergyman St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell) and his sisters Diana and Mary. There, she learns of an inheritance from her uncle and receives a marriage proposal from St. John, which she declines. Feeling an irresistible pull towards Rochester, Jane returns to Thornfield to find it destroyed by fire, in which Bertha perished and Rochester was blinded. Despite his injuries, Jane professes her love, and they reunite. The film is noted for its atmospheric gothic aesthetic, restrained direction, and profound performances, particularly by Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender, and has been praised for faithfully capturing the spirit of the original novel.