Queen America

Queen America is a dynamic and in-depth exploration of the often-glamorous world of American beauty pageants, broadcasted exclusively on Facebook Watch. Premiering in 2018 and extending through 2019, this dark comedy stars the iconic Catherine Zeta-Jones, paired beautifully with the artistry of Belle Shouse, Teagle F. Bougere, Rana Roy, Molly Price, Isabella Amara, and Megan West.

Set in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Catherine Zeta-Jones Gillies plays Vicki Ellis, a revered yet ruthless pageant coach who will stop at nothing to transform her ambitious but unpolished clients into prospective Miss America winners. Vicki, a woman of unparalleled skill and reputation in the pageant circuit, is well-versed in polishing the rough diamonds of the pageant world, becoming a beacon of hope for many aspiring beauty queens. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, she wrestles with personal demons and insecurities that contrast sharply with her hardened exterior.

Belle Shouse plays Samantha Cole, a kind-hearted and unsophisticated contestant from a modest background with big dreams of wearing the Miss America crown. She unfortunately lacks the poise, confidence, and polish typically required of a pageant queen, hence she seeks the expertise of the infamous Vicki Ellis. Samantha’s journey with Vicki evolves into a touching underdog story filled with self-discovery, growth, and the quest for recognition and validation in a world that demands perfection.

Teagle F. Bougere delivers a powerful performance as Nigel, Vicki’s assistant and confidante, while Rana Roy, Molly Price, Isabella Amara, and Megan West bring life to a variety of engaging secondary characters. Their collective talents serve to create a realistically diverse landscape that captures the authenticity of human relationships, struggles, and victories within the high-pressure sphere of American beauty pageants.

At its core, Queen America prompts viewers to question and explore the concept of beauty and the lengths society, especially women, must go to meet its expectation. Meanwhile, the personal life of Vicki Ellis opens up a dialogue about independence, control, and the struggle to find personal happiness while helping others achieve their dreams. This isn’t just a show about the superficial beauty standards in the pageant world, but also a deep dive into the complex emotional and psychological dynamics at play behind-the-scenes.

Each episode is laced with engaging narrative arcs, drawn with masterful storytelling and punctuated by stunning performances that showcase strong female characters and their journeys through striving, suffering, and succeeding in cutthroat competition. The layered characters, dramatic tension, and moments of acute emotional resonance make it a compelling view.

Moreover, the series develops a wider picture, emanating from the individual journey of each character, to depict the transformational impact of the pageant industry on participants and society at large. Meanwhile, the unique context of the American South provides the series with a textured cultural backdrop that influences each character's trajectory, adding depth and dimension to the overall tapestry of the show.

The series enjoys the solid direction under the guidance of Alethea Jones and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer who bring fervor, individuality, and originality to the production. The former's flair for nuanced emotional storytelling and latter’s sharp comedic eye fuses seamlessly to shape the multi-faceted and deliciously entertaining disposition of Queen America.

Imparting a marvellous blend of comedy and drama, Queen America shines a spotlight on the intricacies of the beauty pageant industry with a compelling narrative dynamo that remains true of the human journey, yet within a niche societal sphere. Its engaging plot, combined with a rich vessel of actors and a piercing perspective on beauty and the relentless pursuit of it, makes this Facebook Watch original a must-see.