Nolly is a three-part series following the titular British soap actress during her twilight years. Apart from being a biopic, the series also shines a light on how deep-rooted problems like ageism and sexism derail ambitious women like Nolly, all while offering an amusing glimpse into TV production. Since Nolly is a miniseries (and just a three-parter at that), things move pretty quickly, making it an easy watch if that’s what you’re looking for. The downside, however, is that the show fails to tie plenty of loose ends by the finale—which is a shame, because it introduces plenty of interesting characters and ideas, but only scratches their surface. With more time, Nolly could be a great show, but as it stands, it’s a good one featuring the always impressive, sufficiently outsized Helena Bonham-Carter.
"Davies’ writing floats intriguing statements of purpose only for them to dissipate as we shuttle back and forth through a six-decade career. Whenever it allows itself to take a breath, “Nolly” approaches the depth and texture of Davies’ best work."
— Mike McCahill
Exploring the rise and fall of one of the most famous faces on British television in the 60s and 70s: Noele Gordon (or Nolly to her friends).
Noele Gordon (Helena Bonham-Carter) is the star of a popular and long-running soap in Britain, but she fights to retain her spot when her job is put at risk.
It’s disappointing that characters like Tony (Augustus Prew) and Poppy (Bethany Antonia) aren’t explored all that much, especially since their stories seem way more interesting than Nolly at times. Was Tony openly gay in 1970s London? What was it like being one of the few Black actresses on TV at the time? You can’t help but wonder.
It’s like Sunset Boulevard (with a heavy dose of feminism) for a new generation.
