Belgravia

A sweeping, colorful drama landed on UK screens in 2020, with ITV's production of Belgravia, an opulent historical saga. The series brought together an impressive ensemble cast which includes Philip Glenister, Tamsin Greig, Harriet Walter, Alice Eve, Tara Fitzgerald, Ella Purnell, and Tom Wilkinson, among many others. Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Julian Fellowes, who is famous for creating Downton Abbey, this show is an enticing blend of history, romance, class conflict, and mystery, all set against the backdrop of the upper echelons of 19th-century London society.

Devotedly adapted for the screen by Julian Fellowes himself, Belgravia takes us back to an era when Britain was a global powerhouse in the midst of great change. The plot commences on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, introducing the audience to two families destined to become intertwined in ways they could never have envisaged. From there, the story seamlessly transitions into the dazzling world of Belgravia, London's most affluent borough, 26 years later, where stunning townhouses are markers of wealth and influence.

Tamsin Greig portrays Anne Trenchard, a resilient woman of modest origins who has ascended the social ladder through her marriage to James Trenchard (Philip Glenister), a businessman referred to as the 'magician of Belgravia' for his success in real estate. The narrative explores the Trenchards’ encounters with the aristocratic Brockenhursts, whose world is riddled with secrecy, betrayal, and a stoic adherence to class values. This interaction sparks a chain of events marked by love, honor, and loss that expose the silent yet destructive class prejudices of the Victorian era.

Harriet Walter steps into the role of Lady Brockenhurst with commanding grace, further intensifying the intricate dynamic between these two families. Alice Eve plays the aristocratic Susan Trenchard, whose knack for trouble adds another layer of complexity to the drama. The cast's performances are pronounced and persuasive, harnessing the ebb and flow of the rigid societal norms that they face to dramatic effect.

The complex emotional terrain of Belgravia provides a rich canvas for the supporting characters as well. Familiar faces, including Ella Purnell, Richard Goulding, Adam James, and Emily Reid, bring the detailed subplot lines to life. Their performances portray the struggles of the period, exploring the layers of societal pressure, unrequited love, and stern family dynamics.

Astonishing production values, complete with intricate period-accurate sets and costumes, give depth and authenticity to Belgravia. The elaborate Victorian outfits of the era, a genuine treat for the senses, reflect the status and personality of the people wearing them. The show takes every opportunity to indulge in the atmospheric brassieres and mutton-chop whiskers of the gentlemen, as well as the wide, flouncing crinoline of the ladies. The meticulously designed streets, houses, and balmy interiors grant the drama a visual solidity that captivates the viewers completely.

Some part of Belgravia's charm lies in its historical accuracy, as it provides a snapshot of society in a time of transition. The story offers glimpses into the socioeconomic disparities, the hypocrisy, and contradictions of the Victorian stratified social class system. While sprinkling in real historical events and figures, Fellowes deftly manages to remind us that these characters are products of their distinctive time and circumstances.

Now seasoned viewers of period dramas, ITV audiences can expect meticulous attention to detail, fabulous costume design and the grandeur of a bygone era. Amidst the spectacle and opulence, Belgravia also explores universal themes—love, secrecy, status—that remain as relevant today as they were two centuries ago. With twists, turns, and revelations aplenty, this drama is as much a roller coaster of emotional turmoil as it is a visual feast.

To sum up, Belgravia is a thrilling combination of period grandeur and emotional complexity that will satisfy fans of Fellowes' previous work, Downton Abbey, and attract new ones. Richly layered characters brought to life by a gifted cast, meticulous attention to period detail, and a sharp portrayal of class and power dynamics, all make Belgravia another successful feather in Julian Fellowes’ cap. It's an engaging drama that is worth watching, for it encapsulates the beauty, the splendor, the tensions and the charm of Victorian society all in one package.