Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- glossy
- melodramatic
- wistful
- costume drama night
- romantic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly agreed that the film's striking costumes and visual design could not compensate for shallow characterization, weak dialogue, and an inconsistent story.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Wally Winthrop's fixation on the Windsor love story becomes a lens for understanding her own unhappy marriage and desire for freedom.
The estate auction, couture costumes, jewelry, and lavish interiors make material culture a central part of the film's visual identity.
Wally's research into Wallis Simpson and Edward emphasizes what their relationship demanded from them and from those around them.
Wally's obsession gradually gives her courage to confront her marriage and pursue the possibility of happiness.
Films like W.E., and why
The Hours
interwoven contemporary and historical romance narratives centered on obsession, sacrifice, and the search for personal happiness
The Danish Girl
stylish period romance examining a famous couple through the perspective of a modern woman seeking emotional liberation
Atonement
costume-driven historical romance balancing intimate relationships with public scandal and social constraint
Elizabeth
ambitious, visually polished drama about a woman drawn into the mythology of a consequential love affair
Movie Details
- Director
- Madonna
- Release Date
- 2011-09-01
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (312)
Cast
- Abbie Cornish
- Andrea Riseborough
- James D'Arcy
- Oscar Isaac
- Richard Coyle
- David Harbour
- James Fox
- Judy Parfitt
- Haluk Bilginer
- Geoffrey Palmer
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is W.E. about?
- A visually lavish double romance follows a lonely New Yorker whose fascination with Wallis Simpson and Edward's scandalous devotion helps her reclaim her own life.
- What is W.E. like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of W.E. as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is W.E. violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in W.E. as mild.
- What did critics think of W.E.?
- Critics broadly agreed that the film's striking costumes and visual design could not compensate for shallow characterization, weak dialogue, and an inconsistent story.
- Which films are like W.E.?
- Films with a similar feel include The Hours, The Danish Girl, Atonement, and Elizabeth.
- How long is W.E.?
- W.E. runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch W.E.?
- In United States, W.E. is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Fandango At Home.
