
Movie spotlight
Hystera
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
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