The Scandalous Lady W is a 2015 television film, which aired on BBC. The film is based on the true events surrounding around the life of Lady Seymour Worsley. The movie’s story is actually an adaptation of Hallie Rubenhold’s book, Lady Worsely’s Whim. Natalie Dormer plays Seymour, while Shaun Evans plays her husband, Sir Richard Worsley.

The film begins with Seymour seemingly being kicked out of her house, by her husbands. We immediately flashback and relive how the pair met. In the beginning, the relationship seems wonderful and the pair get along well. Unfortunately, one thing is obviously missing from the pair’s relationship, sex. Seymour attempts to get her husband to open up and eventually manages to succeed, but immediately regrets it.

Richard has a filthy secret. He wants to watch his wife get undressed. Although the fantasy is creepy, Lady W follows through and Richard watches her from afar. They eventually have intercourse, but Richard’s fantasy has yet to be fulfilled. He wants to take it one step further. He attempts to persuade his wife into have intercourse with one of his colleagues, Viscount Deerhurst (Oliver Chris). Initially, Seymour refuses, but Richard pokes and prods her, until she finally gives in.

Richard encourages Seymour to partake in this type of behavior more and more frequently. Things are fine, until she falls for one of Richard’s friends, Captain George Bisset (Aneurin Barnard). The pair plan to run away together and enlist the help of Seymour’s maid, Mary Sotheby (Jessica Gunning) to help. They manage to flee, but are eventually tracked down. Richard grows angry and takes George to court to sue for his losses. Mr. Bearcroft (Will Keen) is given the job of defending George and the trial begins.

 

The Scandalous Lady W Review

Above, you have found a short recap of the beginning of the film. The recap gives the movie far too much credit. Why? Well, the film is plagued with ill timed flashbacks, which will leave you confused and bewildered. This hinders the film terribly and makes it difficult to connect with any of the characters.

Once the court trial had arrived, I knew the movie wanted me to hate Richard Worsley, but there was no substantial reason to do so. The beginning was such a travesty that it was nearly impossible to grow sympathetic or hateful towards anyone. Once Seymour and George had escape from Richard’s grasp, the absurdity grew far worse. They were tracked down almost instantly.

The film wasn’t a total disaster. Watching the marvelous Will Keen is always enjoyable and the majority of the acting was fairly good. The backstory is terrific, but The Scandalous Lady W doesn’t do it much justice. Save yourself an hour and a half and consider reading Wikipedia instead. A 5.5 out of 10 is deserved.