Watch Shirley (2024) online

"Shirley" tells the story of a reclusive and brilliant writer named Shirley Jackson, played by Elisabeth Moss. She is struggling with writer's block and the pressures of being a wife and mother in the 1950s. Her husband, Stanley Hyman (played by Michael Stuhlbarg), is a professor at Bennington College and invites a young couple, Fred and Rose, to stay with them.
As Shirley becomes increasingly obsessed with Rose, she starts to manipulate and control the younger woman, using her as inspiration for her next novel. The dynamics between the four characters become increasingly twisted and complex as secrets are revealed and tensions rise.
Through a series of flashbacks and hallucinations, we see Shirley grappling with her own demons and traumas, including mental illness and a difficult relationship with her controlling husband. As she immerses herself in her writing, she becomes more and more unhinged, driving a wedge between herself and those around her.
In the end, Shirley's manipulations come to a head, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion that leaves everyone reeling. The film explores themes of creativity, power dynamics, and the toll that genius can take on a person's mental health. With powerful performances from its cast and a gripping storyline, "Shirley" is a haunting and thought-provoking look at the life of a troubled artist.