Marie Antoinette

I was somewhat surprised by this series. Initially I was expecting something a lot more fanciful, but it worked for me. I will admit that I haven't taken time to find out how historically accurate the drama is, but other reviewers seem to suggest that isn't that fantastical. The early episodes did need a pinch of make believe magic, as the actors were clearly a not the prepubescents they were playing, but by episode 4 it became more plausible. Their young love blossomed. The filming is excellent, as is the editing, the writing, and the acting. As an entertainment, I can't fault it! I sure I'm now going to take some time to explore all of this history in greater detail.

From what I've read about Marie Antoinette the actual story is fairly accurate. Okay there may be some inaccuracies but not anything important. The actors are brilliant and are completely believable, especially the awkward Louis. I felt genuine sadness for these people trapped inside their gilded cages, especially when we can see what is to come at their end. You get a real insight into how these people were just pawns in a power game. I was surprised and extremely pleased at how unPC it is, considering its made by the BBC but for once they put historical accuracy before virtue signalling. I cant see the point in making a historical drama thats not historical. Hope this is a sign of things to come, it's really good!

If you are looking for historical accuracy you may want to look elsewhere but what Davis has delivered is a wry, intimate depiction of a royal family who, bored of their privilege, find purpose in tearing each other down. It doesn't quite match the production value of the Netflix & co behemoths but the costume and sets more than pull their weight.

Any shortcomings are elevated by a cast full of promise. Led by a fiery performance from Schüle full of charm and sincerity, well supported by her husband who gives a sensitive evolution to the Dauphin turned king. The machiavellian 'spare' and his wife Josephine are highly entertaining in their schemes yet still deliver a sense of pathos, and the Princess Lamballe provides a rare source of compassion in this cold and spiteful court. There are other gems in the ensemble although some characters can feel one-note at points; acceptable in a 2 hour satirical film but less forgivable in an 8-part series.

Cattiness and Gossip are the cornerstones of this Versailles, which whilst fun can become repetitive and feel trivial at points. Ultimately, the main throughline of this series is the romance (or lack of) between the young queen & king and so the potential of civil unrest disturbing these royals and their petty squabbles is an exciting prospect. Fortunately, knowing the fate of this family, the stakes can only be raised considerably in future seasons.

This should not be categorized as Biography but Romance Drama History. It is almost complete fiction. As someone who actually reads history books, I had to suspend all disbelief to enjoy it. And so I did once I accepted its true nature. One must understand that when dealing with history, there are facts. Take this as fiction and enjoy the production design, the cinematography, the costumes, the hair and makeup and most of all Emilia Schüle's joyful and effervescent perfomance!

I also enjoyed the other actors, James Purefoy is brilliant as the "lecherous" Louis XV and Jonas Bloquet as Joseph II is fun to watch. The fact that France had heavy participation in producing this and the state allowed filming at Versailles, says a lot. Not many get that privilege.

For the sake of Austria, Marie Antoinette is sent to marry The Dauphin, and faces the prospect of becoming The Queen of France, she faces many obstacles in her way.

A truly captivating series from start to finish, I've not enjoyed The BBC's historicals quite as much in recent years, the focus hasn't always been where it should, this however is magnificent.

Visually jaw dropping, it's a lavish production, with incredible visuals, sets, costumes and locations are all flawless.

Every episode has something to offer, you really do see Marie's journey, sadly we all know how this one ends.

Emilia Schüle and Louis Cunningham are equally captivating in their respective roles, she is dazzling, alluring and provocative, he is reserved and subtle, yet strong, the pair combine superbly. James Purefoy is terrific as King Louis.

If you were going to be a little picky, you could say that maybe some of the dialogue was a little ... unexpected let's say, Joseph for example, wonderful, but I'm not sure the script was fitting, it's a minor quo blue though, and perhaps the only criticism I can make.

Roll on Series 2.

9/10.