Synopsis

Gifted sisters Hilary and Jacqueline du Pre grow up immersed in music, but their paths diverge as Jacqueline's cello talent brings international fame. Hilary builds a quieter family life while Jacqueline struggles with the pressures of celebrity, marriage, and multiple sclerosis. Their intense bond is tested by jealousy, loneliness, and a controversial intrusion into Hilary's domestic world.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was adapted from A Genius in the Family, the memoir written by Hilary du Pre and Piers du Pre about their sister Jacqueline.

• Its unusual structure presents the sisters' shared history first through Hilary's perspective, then revisits key events from Jacqueline's viewpoint. This gives the same relationship two conflicting emotional interpretations.

• The film became controversial because several people who knew Jacqueline du Pre disputed its portrayal of her private life, especially the storyline involving Hilary's husband. The closing disclaimer acknowledges altered chronology, composite elements, constructed dialogue, and fictionalized incidents.

• Jacqueline du Pre's cello playing was performed and synchronized to Emily Watson's movements by cellist Caroline Dale.

• Filming took place at locations including the Blue Coat School, St. George's Hall, the Walker Art Gallery, and George's Dock in Liverpool. Additional locations included the Royal Academy of Music and Wigmore Hall in London, while interiors were shot at Shepperton Studios.

• The film received two Academy Award nominations, including one for Emily Watson's performance as Jacqueline du Pre.