Overview
A passionate fossil hunter finds unexpected love amidst the rugged cliffs of England.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- intimate
- austere
- quiet evening
- arthouse movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan's performances and the film's craftsmanship, while finding its period-romance framework uneven at times.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film depicts Mary Anning and Charlotte Murchison in a lesbian relationship despite no firm historical evidence of Anning's sexuality.
Fossils, wet shorelines, sea water, bodies, and domestic spaces repeatedly carry the lovers' emotional connection.
Working-class fossil hunter Mary and wealthy visitor Charlotte must negotiate sharply different social positions and expectations.
Mary searches for fossils to survive while her paleontological expertise remains socially and financially undervalued.
Films like Ammonite, and why
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
shared 19th-century setting, restrained queer romance, class tension, and melancholic atmosphere
Carol
shared period romance, women negotiating social constraint, and emotionally intense performances
The World to Come
shared historical queer relationship, repression, longing, and austere period-drama tone
The Handmaiden
shared intimate lesbian romance, class difference, and tactile coastal atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Francis Lee
- Release Date
- 2020-11-13
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (660)
Cast
- Kate Winslet
- Saoirse Ronan
- Gemma Jones
- James McArdle
- Alec Secăreanu
- Fiona Shaw
- Sarah White
- Liam Thomas
- Sam Parks
- Claire Rushbrook
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Eventive
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ammonite about?
- On England’s fossil-strewn coast, an isolated paleontologist risks emotional exposure when a wealthy woman enters her rigorously guarded life.
- What is Ammonite like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ammonite as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Ammonite violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Ammonite.
- What did critics think of Ammonite?
- Critics broadly praised Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan's performances and the film's craftsmanship, while finding its period-romance framework uneven at times.
- Which films are like Ammonite?
- Films with a similar feel include Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Carol, The World to Come, and The Handmaiden.
- How long is Ammonite?
- Ammonite runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ammonite?
- In United States, Ammonite is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Eventive.
