To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Ammonite Trailer Reveals Romantic Relationship Between Saoirse Ronan And Kate Winslet's Characters

Ammonite Trailer Reveals Romantic Relationship Between Saoirse Ronan And Kate Winslet's Characters

The film tells the tale of acclaimed palaeontologist Mary Anning, but not everyone agrees with the story

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The new trailer for the forthcoming film Ammonite shines a light on the romantic storyline between Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.

The film tells the story of real-life palaeontologist Mary Anning- hence the fossil-themed title - and Charlotte Murchison, a rich woman who is in ill health and has been sent to the sea in the hope of recovery.

Also starring James McArdle as Charlotte's husband Roderick, the film has been criticised for inserting a relationship between Anning and Murchison that the scientist's family claim never really existed.

Anning is renowned as a groundbreaking - pun completely intended - palaeontologist, but rumours about her sexuality have always remained unsubstantiated.

However, in the trailer, Winslet and Ronan share a kiss that lets everyone know that this film tells the story that hasn't been confirmed, that the two were more than just good friends.

Lionsgate

The plot synopsis reads: "In 1840s England, acclaimed but overlooked fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) works alone on the rugged Southern coastline.

"With the days of her famed discoveries behind her, she now searches for common fossils to sell to tourists to support herself and her ailing mother.

"When a wealthy visitor entrusts Mary with the care of his wife Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), she cannot afford to turn his offer down.

"Proud and relentlessly passionate about her work, Mary initially clashes with her unwelcome guest, but despite the distance between their social class and personalities, an intense bond begins to develop, compelling the two women to determine the true nature of their relationship."

Despite the tale told in the film, the fossil hunter's distant niece Barbara Anning doesn't believe that the story is completely accurate.

On an online forum, she wrote: "I do not believe there is any evidence to back up portraying her as a gay woman...

"I believe Mary Anning was abused because she was poor, uneducated and a woman. Is that not enough?"

Lionsgate

Later, speaking to MailOnline, she said: "As far as I know and there was no suggestion that she was a lesbian at all. That's just what they do I suppose.

"But it's great they are telling her story because I do think she is a strong female role model in this 'me too' generation."

Not all of Anning's kin agree, though. Some think that the film's message doesn't matter as much if it tells the story of an undoubtedly important and influential woman in her field.

Another relative, Lorraine Anning, told The Telegraph: "I think it might be to make her more attractive. The fact she was a loner, an independent woman, in today's times that could mean something different.

"To be honest, it doesn't matter; as long as it's well presented and tastefully done and in the spirit of Mary Anning, then I think it's brilliant."

Ammonite has been directed by Francis Lee and is set to be released this year.

Featured Image Credit: Lionsgate

Topics: TV and Film, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment