The Connector
The Connector
Image courtesy of Netflix Media Center.
Image courtesy of Netflix Media Center.

Netflix premiered its long-awaited period drama about Queen Elizabeth II, the current and longest reigning British monarch, on Nov. 4. Created by Peter Morgan, the series, which is comprised of 10 episodes, offers viewers insight into the queen’s life – a rarity, given that Queen Elizabeth II is notoriously private, rarely giving interviews or expressing political or personal opinions. As such, it is best remembered that much of what transpires in the show, outside of documented historical events, is based on speculation. Yet the story is delivered with such an intense feeling of authenticity, thanks to stellar performances from the cast and incredible sets and costumes.

Set in the mid-20th century, the story tracks Elizabeth II’s reign as she ascends the throne and examines the impact of her new role on the people close to her. The role of the queen is played impeccably by Claire Foy, who perfectly conveys the inner turmoil of the young queen. Foy is able to simultaneously express both the strength and vulnerability of the character in a single moment.

Counterpart to Foy’s Queen Elizabeth is Matt Smith’s depiction of Prince Phillip. Morgan created a humanized and sympathetic portrayal of Phillip, which may come as a surprise for anyone familiar with the rumors surrounding the real-life Prince Phillip which paint him as a womanizer and a racist. Instead, Morgan offers a multi-dimensional rendition of a man with both flaws and strengths and Smith more than rises to the challenge. Smith offers the complicated character both charisma and gravitas, perfectly conveying the idea of a man who wants to be a good husband and father, but consistently struggles with his role as consort to a queen.

Another stunning performance is found in John Lithgow’s portrayal of Winston Churchill, whose storyline rarely intersects with the monarchy’s, but offers a balance and alternate perspective to the events of the 1950s. Vanessa Kirby also offers scene-stealing performances as Elizabeth II’s sister, Princess Margaret.

“The Crown” should also be applauded for its sumptuous and lavish costumes and set design. The show is filled with beautifully shot castles, buildings and grounds that bring places like Buckingham Palace to life, as well as incredibly detailed costumes of the upper class and monarchy of mid-century Britain.

But no television series is ever perfect, and while the acting, costumes and set are the show’s apparent strengths, its flaws are found in the storyline and deliverance. It’s obvious that the show’s creator chose to favor caution when imagining the royal family’s inner life. Whether he was motivated by a sense of respect for Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family or simply lacked courage, the show plays it safe throughout the series, glossing over any subject of scandal, sex or secrets. As such, the show’s major conflict is Elizabeth II’s struggle to reconcile the different versions of herself – the Queen of England, whose duty and country must always come first, and Elizabeth the woman, a wife, mother and sister. With the slow pacing of the story, this conflict becomes less and less interesting as the series progresses, and viewers may find themselves wishing Morgan had chosen to take more creative liberties in his portrayal of the royal family.

Despite this, “The Crown” is an undoubtable achievement in Netflix’s original programming. Perhaps it is simply better enjoyed at the same pace as the show, slowly and over time, rather than in a single binge session.