The movie Shirley presents a psychological drama based loosely on the life of Shirley Jackson, intentionally mixing reality and invention that could potentially distort the truth about those who were actually involved. Even with historical errors and reservations voiced by Jackson’s relatives, the film is notable for its powerful acting and deeply felt character studies. The unclear resolution leaves audiences to dra…

I had very high hopes for 'Shirley,' perhaps the highest of any movie this year, and they were certainly justified. Josephine Decker has created a film that surpasses what one would expect from a biographical account. It doesn't just acknowledge the brilliance of Shirley Jackson’s writing; it deepens our appreciation of it and explains its enduring ability to unsettle us, speak to us in subtle ways, and create an uns…

This was an unusual experience, largely because I came in knowing absolutely nothing about the film. It’s the first movie I’ve seen from Josephine Decker, and Sarah Gubbins is making her debut as a screenwriter, so they were both new to me. The biggest surprise, though, was realizing it was a biopic of Shirley Jackson – that didn't become clear even after watching it, which is honestly the best compliment I can give …