Director Josephine Decker returns to Sundance after her award-winning film Madeline’s Madeline with another captivating dramatic entry, Shirley.

Starring an eccentric Elisabeth Moss as famed author Shirley Jackson and the ever-wonderful Michael Stuhlbarg as her husband Stanley Hyman, Shirley tells the story of a young couple, Rose (Odessa Young) and Fred (Logan Lerman), whose life becomes forever changed by the famous horror writer and her college professor husband. After accepting room and board in exchange for household chores and companionship, Rose becomes an accidental muse for Shirley, who spends all day chain-smoking over her typewriter in the musky home office of her large Victorian house.

Decker’s signature style of euphoric imagery and layered, complicated female protagonists in control is the film’s strongest calling card. Moss gives a phenomenal performance as a kooky yet brilliant artist whose inner turmoil is a constant battle. Not to be overlooked is Michael Stuhlbarg, who delivers yet another scene-stealing monologue that is almost as memorable as his Call Me By Your Name performance. Beautifully captured by cinematographer Sturla Brandth Grøvlen (Victoria, Wendy), who juxtaposes light and dark to create unforgettable moments and a moody score by composer Tamar-kali, Shirley is a hauntingly powerful film about a strong woman, made by a strong woman.

Shirley is available to rent via virtual cinemas this Friday.