Galatea: A Short Story

Carved from stone and brought to life by a goddess’s gift, Galatea was crafted to be the “perfect” woman. Her husband and creator wanted a silent, submissive woman to meet his every physical need, so he’s enraged by her independence and intelligence. He soon locks her away, paying doctors and nurses to assert that she’s unwell both physically and mentally. Though she could probably bear his controlling nature for her own sake, as his unsettling obsession increases, she is determined to secure freedom for her daughter, no matter the cost. Miller (Circe) presents a compelling short story adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a lyrical blend of mythological and literary fiction. While Ovid’s ivory woman was nameless, Miller’s Galatea is a strong, sentient heroine. Narrator Ruth Wilson gives an earnest, expressive performance of Galatea’s first-person perspective. She expertly captures every emotion, from fear to ferocity, making this fantastical tale deeply relatable.