Dickinson is an Apple TV+ series which combines Emily Dickinson’s era with elements of the modern day. Those not familiar with her life will get a look at how society at the time offered limitations in terms of gender and family which proved troublesome for a budding writer.
The series documents a woman who doesn’t fit in, and is overall a coming-of-age story where Emily fights to establish her voice and be heard. It combines a number of genres, such as black comedy, queer romance and gothic horror.
There are some surprises to be had with this series. For example, the first three episodes will see Emily take a carriage ride with Death – played by Wiz Khalifa – host a house party where people get high on opium and sneak into an all-male lecture about volcanoes.
While Emily is seen wearing period costume throughout the series, some of the scenarios she is involved in wouldn’t be out of place in our day to day lives. Creator Alena Smith said: ‘The whole intention of the show is to make us lose track of the difference between the present and the past.’
Dickinson was given a straight to series order by Apple, with this news being announced in May 2019. Notable names on the executive production side include Alena Smith, David Gordon Green, Michael Sugar, Ashley Zalta, Alex Goldstone and Darlene Hunt.
While Hailee Steinfeld was announced as the star of the series when it was initially announced, other cast members trickled in over the coming months. Wiz Khalifa was one of the last to join, being added in September 2019 – just two months before the series made its debut on the platform.
Apple TV+ launches on November 1, 2019. It is priced at $4.99 a month after a seven day free trial.
