Seaside Hotel

There's nothing quite like escaping to the seashore, and PBS Masterpiece’s Seaside Hotel brings you there, right in the heart of Denmark, amidst the cultural and societal shifts of the early 20th century. This character-driven drama is both a period piece and a coming-of-age story that beautifully capture the zeitgeist of the era.

Set in the endearing setting of a beach resort in Denmark, the narrative of the seaside hotel begins in the summer of 1928. Referred to by the locals as "Seaside Hotel", the establishment is a sought-after holiday destination for Danish elites and middle-class citizens, who flock there each summer, ready to enjoy the idyllic seaside and the hotel's services.

The Seaside Hotel weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. Each character has a distinct backstory that intertwines with the tales of fellow guests and staff, adding depth to the narrative. At the heart of the tale are various guests who over time become a sort of makeshift family. They are rich in their complexity, harboring hopes, dreams, secrets, and flaws that make them oh-so-human and relateable.

The hotel staff members, including the ambitious chambermaid Fie, the unassuming waiter Morten, and the stern and properly reserved Mrs. Andersen, are equally as captivating. They serve as the backbone of the establishment and through their experiences, viewers get a glimpse into the inner workings of a summer hotel in the 1920s, including the class differences, the challenges, and the triumphs.

Seaside Hotel skillfully encapsulates the mood of an era undergoing significant changes, not just in Denmark, but across the world. World War I has come to an end leaving behind lasting changes understood only by those who lived through it. The jazz era is taking hold, ushering in a change in fashion, music, and societal norms. The rise of women's rights, the evolution of societal norms, the acceptance of previously controversial topics - all are softly echoed in the background, adding an additional layer to the narrative.

As much as Seaside Hotel is about the guests and staff, it's equally about the setting and atmosphere. The depiction of 1920s Denmark is meticulously crafted, with a keen eye for historical details. The hotel itself is an enchanting entity, rich with old European charm. The cinematography makes full use of the picturesque location, framing sequences in such a manner that the sea practically becomes a character in itself. The wardrobe design deserves a special mention as well, reflecting the shift in fashion aesthetics happening at that time.

Seaside Hotel is characterized by its Danmarkian dry humor, making it more of a dramedy than a full-fledged drama. It’s not dark, but it’s not light-hearted either. It's real, as life often is. The series smoothly transitions from comedic to tragic to romantic to suspenseful, keeping viewers on their toes.

One of the striking elements of Seaside Hotel is its evolving narrative, which progresses with each passing season. The narrative time-jumps each season, taking you to a new summer and showing you how the characters, their relationships, and their circumstances have evolved over the intervening months. It's interesting to witness the characters grow, mature, and navigate through life's various ups and downs, making for compelling television.

Providing a captivating glimpse into the life and times of the 1920s, the Seaside Hotel serves as an intriguing experience for history buffs and drama enthusiasts alike. Its narrative potency, historical references, and stellar performances make for engaging viewing. The audience is not just watching a show, they are submerging themselves in another era, relishing in its environmental, societal, and personal nuances.

To put it simply, Seaside Hotel is a voyage in time, rich with captivating characters, dramatic plots, doses of humor, and a sense of nostalgia for a time gone by. The joy of the series lies in witnessing how the lives of guests and staff unfold and intertwine each summer, under the roof of the lovingly detailed Seaside Hotel, alongside the changing tides of history.