The Invisible Woman is a 2013 British biographical drama film directed by Ralph Fiennes, who also stars in the lead role as Charles Dickens. The film explores the secret, long-term affair between the acclaimed Victorian novelist Charles Dickens and Nelly Ternan, a young actress.
The screenplay, written by Abi Morgan, is based on Claire Tomalin's 1990 biography of the same name. The narrative is structured around Nelly Ternan's perspective, years after Dickens' death, as she reflects on their clandestine relationship and its profound impact on her life. It delves into the social pressures and personal sacrifices involved in maintaining such an affair in Victorian England, where Dickens' public image as a family man was paramount.
Felicity Jones portrays Nelly Ternan, while Kristin Scott Thomas plays Catherine Dickens, Charles's estranged wife. Other notable cast members include Tom Hollander as Wilkie Collins and Joanna Scanlan as Catherine Ternan, Nelly's mother.
The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Fiennes' direction, the performances of the lead actors, the atmospheric production design, and the film's nuanced portrayal of a complex historical relationship. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.