If you liked Oscar-winning films like
Marie Antoinette (2006) or
The Favourite (2018), then you'll probably like this series from Tony McNamara who specifically wrote that 2018 black comedy and period piece. This series is also very much a black comedy where jokes are made about hangings and decapitations. That's only after jokes and humor are mined from the extreme sexism and misogyny put on display here. If one is triggered by domestic abuse, specifically against women, be forewarned. Women are treated horribly here. It would be one thing if all this misogyny was just table setting for things to turn quickly, but the oppressive sexism and misogyny continue for the entire series. Certain men aren't treated any better either, but it's a woman who is the center here. It is supposedly an interesting exploration in the vein of
House of Cards (2013) of how a woman in that severe oppression might try to rise up and overthrow it. Unfortunately, Frank Underwood has more success in his efforts than the protagonist here.
Elle Fanning (
Maleficent and
Super 8) stars as Catherine II, the Empress of Russia. She was a German girl who was married into Russian royalty. The series begins with her arrival in Russia and meeting her husband, the Emperor of Russia. She is very optimistic and idealistic about what her life is going to be. She also has a very romantic view. She thinks she's going to fall in love with her husband and he in love with her. She puts forth a genuine effort to love her husband, but she quickly and rather rudely learns that he has no interest in falling in love with her. We then see this beautiful, intelligent and bubbly person be beaten down by the sheer narcissism, as well as the hedonistic, idiotic and veritable sociopath that is her bethrothed who lords over her very brutally and coldly.
Nicholas Hoult (
The Favourite and
Mad Max: Fury Road) co-stars as Peter III, the Emperor of Russia who has all the power and none of the discipline to be the leader. Despite looking like he's in his mid to late 20's, he still behaves very much like a child and most times like a horny and entitled teenager who only cares about his own pleasures and people being absolutely obedient and loving toward him, doing everything he says without disagree. Of course, there's possibly a President Trump metaphor to be had. Yet, Trump possibly aspires to have the kind of iron fist that this guy has. If anything, he's very much like the Billy Mumy character in the episode of
The Twilight Zone called "It's a Good Life" (1961).
Watching that episode of
The Twilight Zone is interesting just to see what that kind of power in the wrong hands can be, which is essentially a nightmare scenario. Some might see Peter's reign in this series as reflective or refraction of what has been wrought in the United States under the the 45th President. Unfortunately, that concept almost immediately loses its novelty. It certainly becomes a repulsive state of play in this series after the first episode. After which, it and Hoult's character become insufferable and absolutely intolerable, which I gather is the point, but it didn't make for a fun viewing experience. It just became grating and repetitive.
The supporting cast does possess young actors giving really good performances like Phoebe Fox (
Eye in the Sky and
Black Mirror) who plays Catherine's servant and friend, Marial who did seem to be my proxy from the very beginning on one side. Sacha Dhawan (
Iron Fist and
Outsourced) plays Orlov, the advisor to Peter but who sympathizes with Catherine's plight. Their roles though aren't enough to counteract the insufferable nature that dominates this series.
Rated TV-MA-LVS.
Running Time: 1 hr. / 10 eps.
Available on Hulu.
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