Ammonite: Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan fall in love in first trailer for romantic drama

Movie was directed by ‘God’s Own Country’ filmmaker Francis Lee

The first trailer has been released for Ammonite, the upcoming romantic drama starring Kate Winslet as British palaeontologist Mary Anning.

Saoirse Ronan also stars as geologist Charlotte Murchison, who in the movie falls in love with Anning.

Ammonite, set in the 1840s, was directed by God’s Own Country filmmaker Francis Lee.

Some of Anning’s living relatives have disputed Lee’s portrayal of her relationship with Murchison, arguing that Anning’s sexuality was unconfirmed.

Lee, however, defended the storyline on social media last year, writing in part: “After seeing queer history be routinely ‘straightened’ throughout culture, and given a historical figure where there is no evidence whatsoever of a heterosexual relationship, is it not permissible to view that person within another context...?”

Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan on the set of new period drama 'Ammonite' (Getty)

He added: “As a working class, queer film maker, I continually explore the themes of class, gender, sexuality within my work, treating my truthful characters with utter respect and I hope giving them authentic respectful lives and relationships they deserve.”

Ammonite is currently scheduled for release in the US on 13 November 2020, with a UK release date to be announced.