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In 1928, author D. H. Lawrence published a censored version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, the scandalous story of a romance between a lady and a working class man—which, when published in full, led to a highly-publicized obscenity trial. Since then, it’s been widely adapted—and the latest version fits right in on Netflix.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover moves to a beautiful country estate with Connie Reid (Emma Corrin) and her husband, Clifford Chatterley (Matthew Duckett). After returning from the war bound to a wheelchair, Clifford immerses himself in the family business and his dreams of being a writer, leaving his wife feeling neglected and bored with her life as the lady of the estate. But when she starts a passionate—and scandalous—affair with the gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors (Jack O’Connell), she’s willing to give up her status and wealth to be with the man she loves.
Of course, it isn’t just the cross-class nature of this relationship that once made the novel so very controversial. But, here, societal expectations of things like gender and class definitely play a large role. Connie is a charming character—a thoughtful, dutiful wife who’s determined to make the most of her situation, acting as her husband’s nurse, maid, and assistant while showing kindness and respect to the working-class villagers. But her hard work—paired with her husband’s physical and emotional distance and his general unpleasantness—pushes her beyond the limits of what she can bear. She finds peace in long walks through their estate, in hours reading a good book. And she finds the love and respect that she’s been missing in her marriage with someone who’s seen as far beneath her—and their relationship eventually forces them to consider the grim reality of their situation.
Still, everything about this period romance is beautifully, artistically done—even those scandalous bits, which are artfully explicit. It’s a film for those who binge-watched Bridgerton and who love Downton Abbey but wish it were a little spicier. It revels in being just a little bit shocking, a little bit indecent. But while viewers may get caught up in the fiery but forbidden nature of Connie and Oliver’s relationship, it’s missing the kind of depth that would make it a truly passionate romance.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover tells a story about love’s ability to overcome the boundaries of class—but, mostly, it’s a lush romance for those who like a little bit of extra spice in their period dramas.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover premieres on Netflix on December 2, 2022.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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