All puns intended Hysteria tells the story of the invention of the electric personal vibrator. Go ahead . . . read that sentence . . . again. During the 19th century hysteria was the diagnosis for any outspoken woman and the course of its management was stimulation by a doctor . . . yes that kind of stimulation.
The film stars a comical cast of characters including Maggie Gyllenhaal as the boisterous Charlotte Dalrymple, Hugh Dancy as the infamous Dr. Mortimer Granville and Felicity Jones as stuck living for others Emily Dalrymple.
Dr. Granville stumbles upon the Dalrymple practice after being continuously fired for espousing the miracles of science to doctors living in the past. While he takes pride in his work with hysterical patients, it isn’t long when hand issues prevent him from continuing to work. Hence the accidental discovery of an electric cleaning machine invented by Lord Edmund St. John-Smythe, played deliciously by Rupert Everett, and the alternative ways in which it can be used.
The only part of the film that flounders is the love triangle between Granville and the Dalrymple sisters and its predictable ending but if you are looking for an alternative to the the blockbuster films of the summer this is worth checking out. Pay close attention to prostitute-turned-maid scene stealer Molly played hilariously by Sheridan Smith.
Hysteria opens exclusively at UA Tara on Cheshire Bridge today June 8th.
