Angels and Insects

1995
R
1h 56m

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

4.9K

YOUR RATING

Mark Rylance in Angels and Insects (1995)

After ten years on the Amazon and surviving a shipwreck in which most of his work is lost, naturalist William Adamson, now lacking a home and means of his own, is taken in by his benefactor, Sir Harald Alabaster, who hires William to assist him with the writing of a book, as well as to tutor the younger of the children in residence on his estate. It's good fortune for William, who finds satisfaction in his work, as well as in making the acquaintance of one of Sir Harald's daughters, Eugenia, with whom he quickly becomes enamored. Eugenia, however, is a rather fragile flower, struggling with the inner demons of a dark secret born of unspeakable desires. Despite his best efforts, the shadows that plague Eugenia's soul remain. William, though, is determined to break through her darkness and bring her into the light, but some secrets are better left buried; and before it's over, William may discover more tragedy than he imagined.

Play trailer1:51

1 Video

35 Photos

Costume Drama Period Drama Drama Romance

In the 1800s a naturalist marries into a family of British country gentry.In the 1800s a naturalist marries into a family of British country gentry.In the 1800s a naturalist marries into a family of British country gentry.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

4.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 wins & 3 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 1:51

Trailer

Photos35

+ 29

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
For the proposal scene, Patsy Kensit's dress was sprayed with female sex hormones in order to attract the moths.

Goofs
In spite of being set in England, we hear the songs and calls of three birds from North America: Red-winged Blackbird, American Robin, and Blue Jay.

Quotes
Mr. William Adamson: Whom can I tell that I should not destroy in the telling.

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Screamers/Richard III/Bed of Roses/Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored/Angels and Insects (1996)

User reviews63

Review

Featured review

10/10

This is an exceptional movie...

Angels and Insects is one of the most visually stunning movies I have ever seen but every bit of the immense beauty & luxury that is on the screen contributes to the sense & definition of exquisite excess that is so ingrained in the Alabasters' way of life. If one imagines this movie as a 1940s Hollywood effort, perhaps starring Olivier & Fontaine, ala Rebecca, then one must really appreciate the subtly shaded performances. I have never seen better acting onscreen, especially in the performances of Rylance & Thomas. And all the interplay of idea & emotion, science & passion, objectivity & subjectivity, so rarely transferable from print to film are so brilliantly achieved here. Hey, even the sex scenes are among the best I've ever viewed.