Culture

Hysteria, set in London in the 1880s, follows the story of the ever-spirited young Doctor Mortimer Granville prior to his discovery of the vibrator and its medical benefits. Mortimer (Hugh Dancy) continually seeks betterment in the medical profession, and is enamoured with the breakthrough science of germ theory, much to the dismay of his stuffy old employers.

A sudden realisation that he is not finding stimulation in his work, nor room to try new methods, leads Mortimer to the door of Dr Dalrymple, the owner of a private women’s practice. Dalrymple introduces Mortimer to the problem of “hysteria” among a client base of upper-middle class housewives. In truth, the women are simply sexually frustrated, and the “treatment” that the Doctor and his new assistant (Mortimer) provide is clitoral stimulation.

Although the film is set in the 1880s, its subject matter forces a certain modernity to shine through in its treatment of characters. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays the outspoken Charlotte Dalrymple, the eldest daughter of Dr Dalrymple, and later the unexpected love interest of Mortimer. A beacon of women’s rights, humanitarianism and forward thinking, Charlotte is initially portrayed as a crazy person, an exception to how women “should be”, and Dr Dalyrymple is profusely embarrassed by her. However, she is an audience favourite for her audacity, refreshing candidness, and way of thinking that modern citizens can more easily relate to.

Hysteria more than fulfils its role as an entertaining insight into the intricacies of the female orgasm. This film does not attempt to be anything but light, bright and humorous, which is evident in its witty, honest portrayal of the history of vaginal pleasure.

3 / 5 stars