Ammonite (film)

Principal photography began on 11 March 2019, in Lyme Regis, Dorset.[10][11] The scenes were shot chronologically in order to deepen the immersion in the characters' psychological trajectory.[12] David Tucker, director of the Lyme Regis Museum, consulted on the film's scientific accuracy.[13]

In its opening weekend the film grossed $87,552 from 280 theatres.[32]

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 67% based on 202 reviews, with an average rating of 6.70/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "The chemistry between Saoirse Ronan and a never-better Kate Winslet helps Ammonite transcend its period romance trappings."[33] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 73 out of 100, based on 38 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[34]

Katie Rife of The A. V. Club gave the film a B− for a lack of chemistry between the leads and an inconsistent tone: "this is a film that runs either burning-hot or bone-chilling cold, contrasting blue toes dipping into freezing, frothy sea water with flushed cheeks and tousled updos in post-coital repose".[35] The Hollywood Reporter placed the movie number 4 at their best films of 2020 year-end list.[36] The film was placed at the 27th position on the Indiewire list of the 50 Best Movies of 2020[37] and 43rd at the Esquire year-end list.[38] The movie also appeared on the RogerEbert.com The Best Films of 2020 year-end list.[39]

There is no evidence as to Anning's sexuality in real life, and the film's historical accuracy has been questioned.[40] Two of Anning's distant relatives were reported as having differing views on the decision to depict her as a lesbian, with Lorraine Anning supporting the film, but Barbara Anning criticizing the choice.[41]

Lee defended his decision, saying in a series of tweets, "After seeing queer history be routinely 'straightened' throughout culture, and given a historical figure where there is no evidence whatsoever of a heterosexual relationship, is it not permissible to view that person within another context? Would these newspaper writers have felt the need to whip up uninformed quotes from self-proclaimed experts if the character’s sexuality had been assumed to be heterosexual?"[42][43] Some reviews also criticized the choice.[44] A piece in The Guardian read, "No one knows if Mary Anning had lovers. But what a new film does get right is the vital role women played in her life".[45]