Our take
After the likes of The Favourite six years ago, modern historical portrayals have now become more interested in the salacious side of real life deceased nobles, focusing on the sex, gore, and violence, so it’s unsurprising that James I, who was unpopular in part due to his alleged homosexuality, would eventually be depicted. Mary & George depicts this from the perspective of those who sought his favor, and while it is one of many of these modern period pieces, it is well done, with fantastic performances from the cast, and all the costumed social climbing that we enjoy. Mary & George is just great television.
What it won
Spirit Awards
1 nom
The story
In 17th century England, Mary Villiers molds her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I, intending to gain riches and influence through outrageous schemes.
Elsewhere
"In the season’s back half, its talented actors and specific setting reveal something dark but essential about the human condition, beauty, and bravado."
— Cristina Escobar
"Mary & George takes the better part of its duration for the viewer to internalize its offbeat, unpredictable rhythms. By then, what could be a standard story about the overlap of sex and ambition has wormed its way deep under our skin."
— Alison Herman
England, 17th century. Hoping to make her family richer and more titled, Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham molds her beautiful second son George into a courtier influential enough to seduce King James I.
Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine are a formidable mother-son duo whose toxic chemistry makes their scheming partnership feel so entertaining. It’s honestly a surprising, but fitting, casting decision.
What have we done to deserve Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine?
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
