Mary Reilly (1996)
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26% of critics liked it
(42 reviews) -
40% of users liked it
(20,445 ratings)
Based on the novel by Valerie Martin, this gothic suspense story offers a fresh perspective on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror tale Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by presenting the material from a different viewpoint -- that of Mary Reilly (Julia Roberts), an Irish servant girl who has come to… More Based on the novel by Valerie Martin, this gothic suspense story offers a fresh perspective on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror tale Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by presenting the material from a different viewpoint -- that of Mary Reilly (Julia Roberts), an Irish servant girl who has come to work for esteemed surgeon Dr. Henry Jekyll (John Malkovich). Mary is fascinated but also intimidated by her new employer, while the doctor seems to take a personal interest in her that goes beyond mere professional courtesy, much to the annoyance of Mr. Poole (George Cole), Jekyll's brutish manservant who also appears to have his eye on her. Jekyll's interest in Mary increases when he learns that she was abused as a child by her violent and repressive father. The doctor seems to take a keen interest in the violent and uncontrollable side of human nature. One day, he announces to his housekeeping staff that his new colleague, Edward Hyde, may be dropping by unexpectedly and not to be alarmed at his presence. Just as she's become attracted to the studious Dr. Jekyll, Mary is fascinated by the brash and impulsive Mr. Hyde, though he carries an air of danger with him at all times -- and Mary doesn't realize at first that he is merely a manifestation of the darker side of Jekyll's personality. Mary Reilly also features Glenn Close as the Madame Mrs. Farraday. Stephen Frears -- who previously worked with Close, Malkovich and screenwriter Christopher Hampton on 1988's Dangerous Liaisons -- directed. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Stephen Frears
- Written By
- Christopher Hampton
- Genres
- Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense
- In Theaters
- Feb 23, 1996 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
The film is too mannered, too stuffy.
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Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Sluggish and interminable, Mary Reilly makes good on little of its potential to be disturbing and none of its chance to be emotionally involving.
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Susan Stark, Detroit News
Unfortunately, your response to the bizarre story of terror and lust that dare not speak their name is pretty well limited to Roberts' response -- which is, in turn, limited by her technique.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Mary Reilly works as Gothic melodrama because it understands the genre so well.
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Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Director Frears seems more interested in the atmosphere than the narrative.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Julia Roberts
as Mary Reilly
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John Malkovich
as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde
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Glenn Close
as Mrs. Farraday
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George Cole
as Mr. Poole
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Kathy Staff
as Mrs. Kent
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Michael Gambon
as Mary's Father
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Linda Bassett
as Mary's Mother
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Moya Brady
as Young Woman
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Evelyn Doggart
as Farraday Girl
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Bronagh Gallagher
as Annie
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Ciarán Hinds
as Sir Danvers Carew
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Henry Goodman
as Haffinger
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Bob Mason
as Policeman
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Michael Sheen
as Bradshaw
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Tim Barlow
as Vicar
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Emma Griffiths Malin
as Young Whore
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Kadamba Simmons
as Farraday Girl
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Wendy Nottingham
as Screaming Girl's Mother
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Richard Leaf
as Screaming Girl's Father
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David Ross
as Doctor
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Stephen Boxer
as Inspector
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Mimi Potworowska
as Farraday Girl
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Ellie Crockett
as Farraday Girl
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Julia Hagen
as Farraday Girl
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Sasha Hanau
as Young Mary
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Samantha Hones
as Farraday Girl
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Isabella Marsh
as Screaming Girl
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Piu Fan Lee
as Farraday Girl
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Robbi Stevens
as Farraday Girl
