The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

Synopsis

In 1881, Louis Wain is the primary breadwinner for his family, supporting his five sisters and mother by working part-time as an illustrator. When the family hire a governess, Emily Richardson, she and Louis are instantly attracted to one another. Three years later they marry, causing a social scandal due to her being ten years older than him, as well as her lower-class profession. When Emily is diagnosed with breast cancer a short while later, she and Louis take in a stray kitten for emotional support, despite the practice of keeping a cat as a pet being a very unusual thing to do at the time. Louis begins painting pictures of the animal which start off realistic but over time become more unusual and surreal as his wife’s condition worsens. When some of his work is featured in a popular magazine, Louis becomes a celebrity, but as his family fall victim to illness, Louis’ mental health deteriorates. ‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’ is an unconventional biopic about an eccentric individual who had a significant impact on modern society’s relationship with felines.