THE ELECTRIC LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN

For the first few scenes of this curious film my heart was sinking at the prospect of a whimsical biopic about an eccentric Victorian who would no doubt win through after overcoming various setbacks.

So predictable I thought, as we start by establishing that Louis was a talented artist and a far less talented would-be inventor, with some peculiar ideas about electricity. 

My mood at this stage was not helped by the chaotic nature of Louis’s domestic life with five sisters and his mother.

Thankfully things pick up greatly with the arrival of governess Emily (played by Claire Foy) whom Louis falls for and marries.  I found their relationship touching at first, and then very moving when she develops terminal cancer.

During her illness Louis and Emily are very taken with a cat they name Peter.  It is from this point that Louis starts making many drawings of anthropomorphised cats which become extremely popular. 

In passing, the film suggests that prior to this time cats were not generally thought of as suitable animals to be pets.  (Can this be true, I wonder?) 

Emily's death occurs quite early on in the film, and thereafter we follow Louis's growing fame, but sadly also his failing mental health, leading him eventually to end up in a sanatorium. 

This is a role perfectly suited to Cumberbatch's range of skills and he, along with Claire Foy, carries the film.  I was amused to learn that in reality Emily was ten years older than Louis, whereas Foy is eight years younger than Cumberbatch. 

Suffice to say that once the film hits its stride I found it surprisingly engaging and moving. 

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do