‘Wonderful’ period drama captivates viewers’ attention ’till the very end’

The historical period drama is based on real life events and has viewers hooked with its charged storylines, stellar performances and standout characters

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The series is based on real events(Image: Channel 5)

Fans of political period dramas such as Wolf Hall, The Tudors, Versailles and The Crown need look no further for their next binge-worthy recommendation.

A three-part British period drama has audiences enthralled with its charged storylines, outstanding performances and memorable characters.

Commissioned by Channel 5 and first broadcast in June 2021, Anne Boleyn is a psychological thriller rooted in historical events that has captivated viewers worldwide. Penned by Eve Hedderwick and helmed by director Lynsey Miller, the mini-series features historian Dan Jones as executive producer.

The ‘riveting’ limited series chronicles the final five months in the life of Anne Boleyn, who reigned as Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 and remains one of the most discussed figures in British history. She was executed for treason in 1536, reports the Express.

The series’ official synopsis reads: “The final months of Boleyn’s life, her struggle with Tudor England’s patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir.”

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It’s perfect for fans of period dramas like Wolf Hall and The Tudors(Image: Channel 5)

The remarkable Jodie Turner-Smith takes on the title role of Anne Boleyn, and her casting has proved contentious amongst viewers.

While many have lauded her commanding performance and screen presence, a portion of the audience has expressed frustration at what they perceive as the ‘rewriting of history’ through her portrayal of the former Queen of England.

Turner-Smith stars alongside Mark Stanley, Paapa Essiedu, Barry Ward, Amanda Burton, Lola Petticrew, Thalissa Teixeira, and Isabella Laughland in an accomplished ensemble.

Principal photography for Anne Boleyn spanned six weeks across Yorkshire, with the period drama utilising Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, Ripley Castle in Ripley, St Michael’s Church in Emley, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, Oakwell Hall in Birstall, and Harewood House in Harewood as filming locations.

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Viewers are utterly captivated with the ‘riveting’ period drama(Image: Channel 5)

The production has garnered widespread acclaim, with one Rotten Tomatoes viewer saying: “Jodie Turner-Smith is amazing in the title role Anne Boleyn. The entire cast does a great job, it’s well directed, and it’s very entertaining.”

Meanwhile, another IMDB user review reads: “This is a wonderful period piece. I gave it 10 stars because it deserves a higher rating than it has, no doubt. I love art house movies and superior attention to detail in film. There was something about this portrayal of Anne Boleyn’s story that felt so relatable in this current day. The series had my attention and sucked me in until the very end. I thought the production value was excellent.

“Jody Turner Smith is a legend and this is only the first role I have seen her play. She is absolutely stunning and I hope to see her in more parts like this. Pure talent. The cast was also excellent. I love this portrayal of Anne Boleyn, absolutely beautiful, ART.”

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The ‘wonderful’ period drama stars Jodie Turner-Smith in the lead(Image: Channel 5)

Another viewer said of the series: “Riveting. So much has been written and acted about Anne Boleyn, one hardly knows the actual truth. Anne Boleyn as a politically astute woman was a new idea for me. Jodie Turner-Smith’s acting made this series riveting and she portrayed Queen Anne with great dignity. I really got lost in the story, and was left wondering why we haven’t seen much more of Jodie’s brilliant acting.”

Critical reception has also been largely positive, with one reviewer saying: “Anne Boleyn and Turner-Smith make the dusty, distant history feel immediate and pertinent once more.”

Not all reviewers were won over, however, with one writing: “For the most part, we’ve been down this road so many times that Miller and her actors struggle to bring much that’s fresh to the table.”

While one critic reserved particular admiration for the lead performance: “Jodi Turner-Smith is mesmerising in this three-part series.”

All three episodes of Anne Boleyn are available to watch on Channel 5 or to purchase on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

SOURCE: WALESONLINE