The Governess

1998

The Governess

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

65%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 34

50%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,921

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Movie Info

Set in England between the Georgian and Victorian eras, The Governess takes its title from a young Jewish woman who, after the death of her father, is offered the job of nanny for the gentile Cavendish family on the Isle of Skye off the coast of London. When Rosina Da Silva (Minnie Driver) changes her name to Mary Blackchurch to take the job, she is quickly taken in by the family as one of their own. But things become complicated as Mary discovers the experiments Mr. Cavendish (Tom Wilkinson) is conducting behind the locked doors of his laboratory. Cavendish is close to discovering how to develop photographic images, and as he and Mary start working together on the project, their romantic attraction becomes irresistibly passionate.
  • Rating:
    R (for sexuality and nudity)
  • Genre:
    Art House & International, Drama, Romance
  • Directed By:
    Sandra Goldbacher
  • Written By:
    Sandra Goldbacher
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Cast

Minnie Driver
as Rosina da Silva
Tom Wilkinson
as Mr. Charles Cavendish
Harriet Walter
as Mrs. Cavendish
Florence Hoath
as Clementina Cavendish
Bruce Myers
as Rosina's Father
Emma Bird
as Becca
Arlene Cockburn
as Lily Milk
Adam Levy
as Benjamin
Bruce Meyers
Countess Koulinskyi
as Aunt Sofka
Diana Brooks
as Rosina's Mother
Raymond Brody
as Litnoff
Olga
as Leonora
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
as Henry Cavendish
Cyril Shaps
as Doctor
Kendal Cramer
as Young Rosina
Ralph Riach
as Mr. Hewlett
Joe Bromley
as Prostitute
Stephen Robbins
as Rabbi
View All

Critic Reviews for The Governess

All Critics (34) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (12)

View All Critic Reviews (34)

Audience Reviews for The Governess

  • Sep 28, 2011
    A London bred jewess takes the job of governess for a gentile scientist's family on the Isle of Skye. Can Victorian scandal be far behind? Interesting tale with excellent performances, particularly by Driver and Wilkinson.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jan 20, 2010
    There you go Minnie Driver. There is life after Matt Damon after all! Too bad we hardly see you anymore. The Governess was a good platform for you. Where did you jump?
    John B Super Reviewer
  • May 31, 2007
    very erotic yet without the sex, some very emotional scenes and minnie driver looking as alluring as ever while portraying a jewess quite authentically if you ask me. well directed also
    Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
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The Governess Quotes

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