“The Bookshop” (2017), directed by Isabel Coixet and based on Penelope Fitzgerald’s 1978 novel of the same name, is a beautifully crafted period drama that explores themes of resistance, passion, and the transformative power of literature.

Set in the late 1950s in the small coastal town of Hardborough, Suffolk, the film tells the story of Florence Green (Emily Mortimer), a woman who opens a bookshop in a conservative and tight-knit community. Despite facing opposition from the local elite, Florence remains determined to pursue her dream, embodying the power of books to challenge societal norms and create lasting change.

Florence, a widow who has recently moved to Hardborough, decides to open a bookstore in the town’s unused building, a space once a dilapidated mansion. The town is not eager to embrace her new venture, especially since it threatens to disrupt the status quo.

The main antagonist, Mrs. Gifford (Patricia Clarkson), a wealthy and influential member of the community, represents the town’s resistance to change. Gifford, who has a strong hold on the town’s cultural life, disapproves of the bookshop and attempts to stifle Florence’s ambitions.

Florence faces not only social pressure but also an increasingly personal battle to defend her shop, all while uncovering the beauty and challenges of the literary world.

Emily Mortimer delivers a remarkable performance as Florence Green, capturing the character’s quiet resilience and unwavering determination. Florence is a woman ahead of her time—intelligent, independent, and unafraid to take risks. Mortimer’s portrayal of Florence is subtle yet deeply affecting, as the character’s inner strength is revealed through her actions rather than overt expression. Florence’s calm demeanor hides a profound passion for literature, and Mortimer skillfully conveys her character’s emotional complexity without excessive dramatization.