To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters

To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters is an exquisite 2016 mini-series from PBS, comprising of two 120-minute episodes, set amidst the awe-inspiring backdrop of the rural West Yorkshire, England. This BBC-produced British biographical drama delves into the lives of the renowned Brontë siblings - Charlotte, Emily and Anne, who revolutionized the literary world with their passionate writing and strong female characters despite the adversities of their era.

The series title, "To Walk Invisible," encapsulates a poignant reality that the Brontë sisters were privy to. It signifies their attempts to maintain an undetectable identity in the male-dominated Victorian England. Instead of revealing their true gender, they wrote under male pseudonyms: Charlotte as Currer Bell, Emily as Ellis Bell and Anne as Acton Bell. Through this disguise, they sought a purely merit-based reception of their work without the bias or criticism often faced by their female counterparts.

Starring Finn Atkins (Charlotte), Chloe Pirrie (Emily) and Charlie Murphy (Anne), the mini-series beautifully portrays the complex relationships, absolute sorrows, and joyful moments of the Brontë sisters’ lives. These performances demonstrate the grit and determination of these extraordinary women who faced numerous obstacles, including their brother Branwell’s fall into alcoholism and opium addiction, yet managed to write works that have become staples in the literary world.

"To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters" is centered in Haworth, the Yorkshire village where the Brontë siblings spent most of their lives, capturing the period from 1845 to 1848 which was marked by significant events in their lives. It was a time when all three sisters recognized and fostered the creative potential within them and started on the journey of becoming published authors.

In this biographical drama, the on-location shoots and the meticulously recreated Brontë parsonage offer stunning, immersive visuals that effortlessly transport the viewers into the 19th century English countryside. Each scene reflects the raw, somber, and claustrophobic nature of the sisters' lives as they penned their masterpieces amidst their challenging domestic situation.

The series is adeptly helmed by Sally Wainwright, who is known for her finesse in portraying strong female characters and their resilience against life's struggles. This flair is clearly visible as "To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters" allows the audience to feel a part of the world these women lived in – a world where they overcame adversity and limitations to make their voices heard.

One of the most distinctive features of the series is its narrative approach. The life of the Brontës is depicted in an unsentimental and powerful manner that highlights their struggles without romancing their poverty or difficulties. Despite the grind of daily life and their problematic brother, these women penned stories of passion, independence, and strength.

At its core, the drama's main focus is the Bronte sisters' determination to write, publish and attain recognition in a world that was biased against women, especially in the creative fields. The series does an excellent job of communicating the audacity of the siblings to send their work to publishers under male pseudonyms in order to be taken seriously.

As their tales unfold, viewers are likely to find an enthralling blend of biographical facts, conjectures, and interpretations giving insights into the personalities and inner worlds of the authors, their dynamics, disagreements, and shared ambition. The series does not shy away from showing the stark contrast between their mundane, everyday lives and the pulsating passion, tumultuous landscapes, and strong characters found in their works.

"To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters" is indeed a captivating exploration of the iconic literary figures who dared to break conventions, leaving enduring imprints on literature with classics like "Jane Eyre," "Wuthering Heights," and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." As it peels back the layers of their lives, the series brings to light the ruthless determination, underlying resilience, and the enduring bond of sisterhood that undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the Brontë sisters’ literary legacy. It is an essential watch for anyone who appreciates literature, history, and narratives about strong, forward-thinking women who pave their own way in a world stacked against them.