Hystera
Hystera

Movie spotlight

Hystera

2017
Movie
9 min
French

Desperate for her voice to be heard and her pain to be understood, a woman's mental illness manifests into a specter who seems to be the only thing willing to listen.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes61%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users74%
Director: Tanya WexlerGenres: Comedy, Romance, Drama

Plot Summary

In Victorian London, an ambitious young doctor, Mortimer Granville, is ostracized for his progressive ideas about women's health. Facing unemployment, he takes a position at a clinic specializing in 'hysteria,' a supposed female ailment. To manage the workload, he develops a new medical device, which inadvertently leads to the invention of the electric vibrator and revolutionizes women's personal lives.

Critical Reception

Hysteria was generally well-received by critics, who praised its witty script, period detail, and charming performances, particularly from Maggie Gyllenhaal. While some found the subject matter a bit light for its historical setting, most agreed it was an entertaining and refreshingly lighthearted take on a peculiar medical history.

What Reviewers Say

  • A charming and witty look at a bizarre chapter in medical history.

  • Maggie Gyllenhaal shines in this surprisingly delightful romantic comedy.

  • Entertaining, though it doesn't delve deeply into the social implications of its subject.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a fun and engaging watch, appreciating the humor and the unique premise. Many viewers enjoyed the performances and the overall lighthearted tone, making it a pleasant viewing experience.

Fun Fact

The film's portrayal of Dr. Mortimer Granville and his invention is largely fictionalized; while medical treatments for 'hysteria' existed, the electric vibrator's development as depicted in the movie is a dramatic liberty for comedic effect.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review