Today, the BFI and Sight & Sound rank among the greatest films ever directed by a woman. The piano itself—the original prop—now sits in a museum in Wellington, New Zealand, a relic of a story that asked: What does a woman do when she has no voice?

Through Ada's story, Campion explores themes of female empowerment, isolation, and the struggle for self-expression in a society that seeks to silence women. The film's portrayal of Ada's journey from a mute, obedient wife to a confident, independent individual is both poignant and inspiring. As Ada finds her voice and begins to assert her autonomy, she challenges the societal norms that have held her back for so long.

Sam Neill also delivers a strong performance as Alisdair Stewart, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. Harvey Keitel's portrayal of Florian is equally impressive, bringing a sense of warmth and humanity to a character who becomes Ada's confidant and lover.

In one of the film's most famous scenes, Baines asks Ada to play her "best teaching piece." She plays a violent, angry, dissonant chord—her only form of cursing. Nyman composed that moment not as music, but as a scream.

The film also kicked off a wave of "bodice-rippers with brains," influencing everything from Portrait of a Lady on Fire to The Power of the Dog . It proved that a slow, arthouse period drama could make $40 million at the box office.