Co-written and directed by Haifaa Al Mansour, Mary Shelley tells the story of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, played by Elle Fanning. She is the author of the well-known Gothic novel “Frankenstein.”

Godwin goes through a fiery, tempestuous relationship with celebrated romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, played by Douglas Booth. Both are outsiders constrained by polite society but bound by a natural chemistry and progressive ideas beyond their age and time.

Mary and Percy declare their love for each other, and much to her family’s horror, they run away together, joined by Mary’s half-sister Claire, played by Bel Powley.

A growing tension within their relationship builds during their stay at a friend’s house on Lake Geneva. The friend is Lord Byron, played by Tom Sturridge. Godwin conceives the idea of Frankenstein because all houseguests write a ghost story.

The author created an incredible character, which looms large in popular culture for centuries to come, but society at the time put little value on female authors. At age 18, Mary must challenge these preconceptions, protect her work and forge her identity.

Mansour is from Saudi Arabia and is the first female filmmaker in her country. Her work is controversial.

The movie trailer shows the love and tension between Mary and Percy. There are some quick references to Mary declaring authorship for “Frankenstein.”