Wally (Abbie Cornish) is stuck in a abusive, loveless marriage, which serves as the basis of her fascination and obsession with Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the woman who Edward the VIII (James D'Arcy) renounced the King of England throne for. Wallis, as the Duchess of Windsor, spent most of her life in social exile because of her pursuit of love and inspired by her sacrifice, Wally escapes her marriage to find real love in the arms of another man.
though not a celebrated companion to last year's the king's speech, w.e. is certainly a lavish period piece and solid film. it meanders between the events surrounding edward's abdication of the throne for american divorcee wallis simpson, and a manhattan woman obsessed with their love story via letters during the sotheby's auction in 1998. winner of a golden globe, and nominated for an oscar in the costume category.