When this story begins, Elisabeth (Sophie Marceau) agrees to a strange proposition. It's the early-mid 19th century and a man and his wife want kids but she can't have any...and the husband has agreed to pay Elisabeth handsomly to bear them a child. At first, their sex is very mechanical...though over time, he and Charles (Stephen Dillane) seem to be having a really, really, really good time making that baby.

Years pass. And Elisabeth has returned. She misses this child and wants to have some involvement in her life....so she is hired as a governess for her daughter being raised by Charles. Not surprisingly, he didn't hire her...his sister-in-law did this because she has no idea who Elisabeth actually is. At first, things are awkward between Charles and Elisabeth...but you KNOW where this is eventually heading. What makes it complicated is Charles' wife...who is essentially a zombie following an accident. So what's next? See the film.

In so many ways, this is reminscent of "Jane Eyre" but is different enough that it is still very creative and unique. In addition, the cinematography and music is truly amazing...quite breathtaking. I enjoyed the film a lot...though I am pretty sure the ending will offend many...as it involves euthanasia and is bound to sit badly with many viewers. Still, it is unique and worth seeing...just be aware that there also is quite a bit of nudity in this movie....so you don't wanna watch it with your kids, mom or Reverend Fletcher.

It's 1838 and Elisabeth Laurier, a Swiss young woman, must get money to pay for her father's debts. She agrees to enter into what might be viewed as an indecent proposal with Charles Godwin, a well to do English landowner, in having a sexual relation for the sole purpose of giving him a child his sick wife can't give him. Elisabeth must renounce to all claims of the baby. What starts as a pure sex, with Elisabeth suffering quietly while Charles has his way with her, suddenly turns into pleasure, seen on the young woman's face.

Imagine Charles' horror when he returns from a trip to find out his sister-in-law Constance, has engaged Elisabeth as his daughter's governess. Louisa, who has terrorized previous attempts at receiving an education, rebels against this new stranger. Since by this time Charles' wealth has suffered a reverse, and having assured a moth's wages to Elisabeth, he consents in her staying. Charles' wife who is sick, is dying a slow death. It's inevitable that Elisabeth will have an effect on Charles and that she will be able to tame the wild Louisa into accepting her.

William Nicholson, who wrote and directed "Firelight", created a film of great beauty. As it is, there are elements of other, better made movies, within the screen play, although it makes good entertainment. Nic Morris' cinematography gives the picture a glossy look that is appealing to the eye. Christopher Gunning's musical score serves the movie well.

Sophie Marceau, an actress of great beauty makes an impression as Elisabeth. Stephen Dillard's Charles is equally appealing as the man tormented between duty and new found passion. Dominique Belcourt is perfectly bratty as Louisa. Joss Ackland appears as Charles' father and Lia Williams is Constance.

As Gothic romance, "Firelight" will delight fans of the genre. William Nicholson directed his own story with great visual style.

No film can be all things to all people. However, "Firelight", a simple film which when taken in and of itself, is no less than a masterpiece. From a carefully crafted minimalistic script to superb acting by a few well cast and well directed principals to artful cinematography and lush scenic beauty, this little film is powerfully compelling. "Firelight" explores the depths of passion, desire, and love amidst the circumstance and social order of 19th century England using elegantly subtle brushstrokes. This film will be most appreciated by mature audiences.