Margot Robbie's production company has announced a film adaptation of 'Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women', a book by two historians that explores the often-overlooked stories of female Irish emigrants in 19th century America. The project will be directed by Rich Peppiatt, who previously made the semi-autobiographical film Kneecap.
At its core, this is a story about women who were forced to leave Ireland due to poverty, hunger and abuse, only to find themselves at the wrong end of the law in New York City. The term 'Bad Bridget' was coined by the academics to describe these women - sex workers, thieves, drunkards and killers.
The research behind this project is based on a wealth of archival records, including police, court and prison documents that provide a glimpse into the lives of these women. These stories are shocking in their ferocity and determination, yet also heartbreaking.
Margot Robbie's production company has opted for Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones to play sisters who leave Ireland with their abusive father, poverty and hunger behind them. In New York, they become embroiled in the shadow world of 'Bad Bridgets'.
The historians behind the book are thrilled that their work will be brought to the big screen, although they admit it's a bit daunting to see their ideas take on a life of their own. "It's slightly scary because you've got your set ideas as historians, we think of things in particular ways," said Elaine Farrell.
The production team is keen to collaborate with the historians and ensure that their unique perspective shines through on screen. The film will begin shooting next year in Ireland and Northern Ireland, marking a significant milestone for this untold story of Irish emigrant women.
This is not just a biographical drama but a nuanced exploration of the lives of marginalized women who defied conventions in 19th-century America.
At its core, this is a story about women who were forced to leave Ireland due to poverty, hunger and abuse, only to find themselves at the wrong end of the law in New York City. The term 'Bad Bridget' was coined by the academics to describe these women - sex workers, thieves, drunkards and killers.
The research behind this project is based on a wealth of archival records, including police, court and prison documents that provide a glimpse into the lives of these women. These stories are shocking in their ferocity and determination, yet also heartbreaking.
Margot Robbie's production company has opted for Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones to play sisters who leave Ireland with their abusive father, poverty and hunger behind them. In New York, they become embroiled in the shadow world of 'Bad Bridgets'.
The historians behind the book are thrilled that their work will be brought to the big screen, although they admit it's a bit daunting to see their ideas take on a life of their own. "It's slightly scary because you've got your set ideas as historians, we think of things in particular ways," said Elaine Farrell.
The production team is keen to collaborate with the historians and ensure that their unique perspective shines through on screen. The film will begin shooting next year in Ireland and Northern Ireland, marking a significant milestone for this untold story of Irish emigrant women.
This is not just a biographical drama but a nuanced exploration of the lives of marginalized women who defied conventions in 19th-century America.