Shirley

About Shirley

"Shirley" is a biographical drama film. It was released in 2020 and directed by Josephine Decker. The movie is based on the book "Shirley: A Novel" written by Susan Scarf Merrell. The plot revolves around the life of the renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson and her husband Stanley Hyman. The story shows a fictional account of the period when the couple is hosting a young couple, leading to inspiration for Shirley's next book.

Making / Production

The film was developed under the direction of Josephine Decker, who helmed the script written by Sarah Gubbins. "Shirley" was produced by Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Elisabeth Moss, and Sue Naegle.

Actors

• Elisabeth Moss as Shirley Jackson: Moss plays the reclusive author Shirley, effectively portraying her eccentricities and creative prowess.
• Michael Stuhlbarg as Stanley Hyman: Stuhlbarg plays Shirley's husband and literary critic Stanley, who balances support and pompous critiques in his dynamic relationship with Shirley.
• Odessa Young as Rose Nemser: Young portrays the naive Rose who finds herself intrigued and entrapped in the world of Shirley and Stanley.
• Logan Lerman as Fred Nemser: Lerman's character Fred is a young professor who gets entwined in the lives of the eccentric couple.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Although the movie revolves around the real-life author Shirley Jackson, the plot is fictional and inspired by the semi-biographical book by Susan Scarf Merrell.
• Elisabeth Moss won the Best Actress award at the Chicago Indie Critics Awards for the movie.

Awards

"Shirley" has earned several awards, including the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Elisabeth Moss has also been recognized for her performances and won Best Actress at the Chicago Indie Critics Awards.

Quotes

• "A clean house is a sign of mental inferiority."
• "What happens to all lost girls... They go mad."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music in the movie was composed by Tamar-kali, known for her work in "Mudbound".
• The soundtrack drives the mystery and suspense of the movie, capturing the atmospheric essence of Shirley's novels.