Watch Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters

Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters from 2011 is a biographical drama that explores the life of Wallis Simpson, the woman who captured the heart of King Edward VIII, ultimately forcing him to choose between his love for her and his duty to the throne of England. The film is directed by Robert Fox and stars Jeremy Child, Elizabeth McGovern, Samuel West, and Martin McDougall.

At the center of the film's story is the controversial relationship between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, who would become known as the Duke of Windsor after his abdication in 1936. Simpson, an American socialite, was married to Ernest Simpson, but her relationship with Edward became the subject of much public scrutiny and controversy. As the two became increasingly involved, Edward's position as king was called into question, and he ultimately abdicated the throne in order to marry Simpson.

The film tells this story through a series of letters, diary entries, and other personal documents that shed light on the couple's relationship, as well as Simpson's own perspectives and experiences. The letters and other documents are read aloud by actors, allowing viewers to hear the words of the historical figures in their own voices.

Throughout the film, we see Simpson struggle with the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman, particularly as she navigates the fraught politics of the British royal family. Even as her relationship with Edward deepens, she faces criticism and ostracization from various members of English society, who see her as a threat to the monarchy.

The film is interspersed with archival footage and photographs, which help to ground the story in historical context. We see the lavish events that Simpson and Edward attend, as well as the protests and demonstrations that followed their every move. Together, these elements create a rich and immersive portrait of a pivotal moment in English history.

One of the film's central themes is the tension between love and duty. As Edward struggles to reconcile his love for Simpson with his responsibilities as king, we see just how high the stakes are for both of them. For Simpson, the stakes are not just personal but also political, as she becomes embroiled in a controversy that threatens the very foundations of English society.

At the same time, the film also offers a poignant commentary on the ways in which women are often relegated to the sidelines of history. Simpson's story is one that has been both romanticized and vilified over the years, but the film offers a more nuanced and empathetic perspective on her experiences. By focusing on her personal writings and reflections, the film invites viewers to see her as a full and complex human being, rather than simply a caricature or symbol of scandal.

Overall, Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters is a fascinating and moving exploration of one of the most iconic love stories in modern history. Through its use of personal documents and archival footage, it creates a vivid and immersive portrait of a tumultuous era, and offers a fresh perspective on a woman who has often been reduced to a footnote in the history books.

Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.