Netflix period drama ‘far superior to Bridgerton’ has fans hooked

It is now streaming on Netflix and viewers are hailing it as a ‘masterpiece’ period drama vastly superior to Bridgerton, particularly praising its stunning costumes and visual splendour

View 4 Images

Viewers can’t get enough of the period drama masterpiece(Image: Sony Pictures)

A stunning period drama is being hailed as far superior to Netflix’s enormously successful series Bridgerton, especially when it comes to costumes and visual presentation.

Viewers are mesmerised by the film’s aesthetic brilliance, with audiences raving about the wardrobe selections, production design, period accuracy and the unique ambience the work creates.

Written, produced and directed by Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette is a distinctly stylised biographical drama that reached cinemas in 2006.

The film is based on Antonia Fraser’s 2001 biography Marie Antoinette: The Journey and stars Kirsten Dunst as France’s infamous teenage queen who met a devastating end.

Joining Dunst in a remarkable ensemble are Jason Schwartzman, Jamie Dornan making his big-screen debut, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Asia Argento, Molly Shannon, Shirley Henderson, Danny Huston and Steve Coogan.

View 4 Images

Kirsten Dunst’s performance as the protagonist of the film was highly lauded(Image: Sony Pictures)

According to the film’s official synopsis: “The retelling of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 14 to her reign as queen at 19 and to the end of her reign as queen, and ultimately the fall of Versailles.”

Marie Antoinette premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, earning a nomination for the festival’s most prestigious prize – the Palme d’Or. The film also won an Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 79th Academy Awards.

The period drama ‘masterpiece’ earned approximately $60.9 million at the global box office against a production budget of $40 million.

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with one reviewer noting: “The film’s decadence and opulence as well as all the details in décor, costumes, wigs, etc is fascinating and shows that Coppola had a true vision for it.”

Meanwhile, another critic said: “Marie Antoinette has flaws, but still remains a good enough film with tremendous set and costume design. Add in Kirsten Dunst and her performance in the title role and you have something that a lot of audiences can enjoy.”

One reviewer praised director Sofia Coppola: “Coppola has crafted a magical, intoxicating film, distinctly her own, that cements her place as one of the most exciting and original new voices in American film.”

View 4 Images

Audiences are obsessed with the underrated gem on Netflix(Image: Sony Pictures)

Some critics delivered more balanced verdicts: “Marie Antoinette may have too much cake and not enough revolution but for the most part it is fun. Just leave your prejudices at the door.”

However, many remained entranced by Coppola’s artistic vision: “Marie Antoinette is a decadent delight.”

Viewers’ reactions mirrored these sentiments, with one saying: “One of the greatest movies of all al time. I said it.”

Another fan of the film said: “This is one of my favourite films of all time. It had a huge influence on me as a young teenager. Kirsten Dunst’s performance was not only captivating but her portrayal of Marie Antoinette taught me to lead my own path in life.

“It’s what you take from this film that is important, the underlying messages and contrasts to modern reality is what’s important. The rest is just a beautifully put together piece of art.”

View 4 Images

The visually stunning underrated gem won an Oscar for Best Costume Design(Image: Sony Pictures)

One viewer commended both Coppola and Dunst: “Sophia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst collabs are my favourite. For those of us who love this kind of stark contrast, and relate to the helplessness and hopelessness of being a teenage girl, especially in another era, this movie was a masterpiece.”

An IMDB user review says: “Sophia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ works on all levels. It is a brilliant and spectacular portrayal of a long-past time; yet it also has an immediacy, and intimacy, and a warmth that draws us in and seduces us. tremendous and spectacular job all-round! ! ! I gave this a 10 out of 10.”

Another fan wrote: “I give this movie a 10. Some will say the film is quirky, but I also predict that it will live on as one of the most fascinating films of recent years.”

Another viewer said: “Brilliant. My opinion is Coppola had a clear vision of what she wanted to present and nails it. Easily one of my favourite works of recent years,” while one fan stated, “I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent film. It was a sumptuous feast for the eyes; the costumes and settings were superb.”

One viewer added: “One of the Best Movies of All Time. This was a masterpiece for those of us who know little about French History. If you love visual splendour, great music, perfect production and direction, then watch this film orchestrated by the exquisite Sophia Coppola. You won’t be disappointed.”

Marie Antoinette is streaming now on Netflix.

SOURCE: WALESONLINE