Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story review: A spin-off that greatly surpasses its predecessor

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a spin-off series about the titular monarch and her initial days as the Queen of the United Kingdom. The series is streaming on Netflix.

Story

King George is the monarch of England and Ireland and to produce an heir, his marriage is arranged to Charlotte of Mecklenberg-Strelitz. Charlotte isn’t thrilled about the arrangement but after meeting George, her opinion quickly changes.

It doesn’t last too long, however, as Geroge remains distant, leaving Charlotte to spend her honeymoon by herself. She feels alone and frustrated while there is also pressure on them to consummate their marriage and secure the Royal line of succession.

She puts her foot down and insists on spending time with George even if he doesn’t want to, proving that their love can overcome all obstacles in this story of long-lasting bonds.

Performances

India Amarteifio plays young Queen Charlotte and she is magnificent. Amarteifio perfectly embodies a character that is thrust into a powerful position that she doesn’t seem ready for but adapts to with great resolve. Her portrayal is a brilliant cursor to that of her older counterpart, Golda Rosheuvel, who is similarly impressive.

Corey Mylchreest is captivating as the “mad king” George with his depiction of a monarch suffering the pressures of being a ruler while simultaneously suffering a real illness of the mind. He has great chemistry with Amarteifio’s Charlotte to make a truly lovely pair on screen.

Arsema Thomas’ portrayal of Lady Danbury is slightly subdued when compared to the older iteration of her character. While Adjoa Andoh gets to play a proud, independent woman, Thomas plays the character at a point when she hasn’t figured it all out just yet.

Sam Clemmett is charming as the younger Brimsley who eventually wins over Charlotte to eventually become one of her closest confidantes played by Hugh Sachs.

Michelle Fairley’s role as Princess Augusta is a great showcase of her talents as she excels as the mature monarch who fiercely protects her son. Fairley is quite entertaining with her interactions with Lady Danbury a particular standout.

Positives

The writing in the series is quite remarkable with several narratives shining through. From the complicated relationship between George and Charlotte to Violet’s admission that she wishes to find love again, to the forbidden love between Brimsley and Reynolds, there are so many things about the series to admire.

There is a certain level of maturity and authenticity to the story being told of George and Charlotte and how they deal with his illness. Whenever they are together, sparks fly and it is an emotion that is consistent right up to the final frame of the series.

All of this is supported by the fabulous dialogues and the cast behind them. There are several quotable lines that capture the viewers’ attention and ensure investment in the fate of the characters.

The diversity and progressiveness depicted in the series are quite inspiring, especially when it is handled with subtlety and poise. They are broached with respect and have a positive effect.

Aside from the narrative brilliance, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is visually stunning with its vibrant sets and costumes and the creative use of roving cameras. The love scenes are sensual and tastefully shot which is a consistent theme.

A staple of the franchise at this point, the soundtrack continues to rely on classical covers of popular songs, and each and every one of them is certified “banger”.

Negatives

The time period can at times cause uncomfortable viewing as has been the case with Bridgerton as well. The secondary status of women and their designation as mostly vessels for breeding while accurate for the time, form a juxtaposition with the progressiveness of other narrative plot points.

Verdict

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is an amazing spin-off that takes the best of Bridgerton and improves upon it tenfold. It takes two real-life historical figures and adds a dramatic touch to their relationship that is engaging and wonderful to watch unfold. The series is also great from a technical perspective with a notable all-around effort from everyone involved.

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