The Great

"The Great" is a Hulu Original released in 2020 that provides a satirical package of historical events packed with humor, charm, and wit. It was originally conceived and created by Tony McNamara, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter responsible for the breakthrough film, "The Favourite." This period comedy-drama series revolves around the rise of Catherine the Great from outsider to the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia's history.

In this profanely funny and intensely dramatic series, Catherine, played by the talented Elle Fanning, navigates the volatile, male-dominated world of Russian politics, ensuring her transformation is doused in intrigue bordering on the absurd. The “occasionally true” story, as promoted, takes creative liberty and stitches together fact and fiction, making it a unique hybrid of historical drama and modern comedy.

While the series draws inspiration from true events, the character of Catherine is crafted more fictitiously, making the narrative rich and entertaining. Unlike the cold, ambitious character often portrayed in history, Catherine in "The Great" is shown as a wide-eyed and naive German princess who begins to evolve into an effective and determined leader. Her intelligence and wit allow her to shine amid the court’s culture of debauchery, power struggles, and political machinations.

Nicholas Hoult remarkably delivers the role of Peter, Catherine's less-enlightened husband and Emperor of Russia. He personifies Peter as a spoiled and capricious ruler. Hoult skillfully infuses Peter's obnoxious demeanor with an odd charm that brilliantly contrasts with Catherine's progressive perspectives. The chemistry between these two central characters paints a rich tapestry of challenge, conflict, and an evolving relationship that keeps viewers hooked.

"The Great" brilliantly brings together a supporting cast that reflects the turbulent Russian court. Among others, characters include Patriarch of Russia and Peter's advisor-Archbishop Archie (Adam Godley), the servile courtier Orlo (Sacha Dhawan), and Catherine’s cunning maid Marial (Phoebe Fox). Each character contributes to, and enriches, the humor and narrative complexity of the series.

One of the key aspects of the show, apart from its writing, is its production design. "The Great" flaunts lavishly designed sets that establish the grandeur and opulence of the 18th-century Russian monarchs. Enchanting costumes, paired with the intricate detailing of the sets, breathe life into every scene, creating a captivating period aesthetic.

Adding further brilliance to the series is its dialogue. The blend of anachronistic expressions and an occasionally modernized vocabulary offers engaging wit and humor. "The Great," in its essence, is about power, gender, and change, and it does not shy away from presenting brutal, violent, and mature content. Yet, the lively dialogue and honest performances lend an effortless charm and accessibility that keep it enjoyable.

The showrunners meticulously pick and choose from history to mold a story uniquely appealing to a modern audience. This creative reinvention strategy results in a representation of the past as seen through a contemporary lens, making "The Great" a perfect mix of past and present. This undertaking is not about pinpoint historical accuracy, but rather about weaving an engaging narrative that explores the deeper nature of its characters.

The humor in "The Great" is biting and sarcastic, the drama is intense, and the characters are perfectly flawed. With its stellar performances, dark humor, and picturesque storytelling, "The Great" is a refreshing twist on the typical historical drama, proving to be a significant addition in Hulu's repertoire.

In its essence, "The Great" is not just the story of Catherine the Great’s rise to power; it’s a tale about a woman navigating her way through political intrigue, a complex personal life, and an unjust society. It’s about a leader’s vision for a better country and the sacrifice and resilience needed to bring about change. It's about the evolution of a young woman into a larger-than-life historical figure.

"The Great" is certainly a valuable watch for those attracted to period dramas, dark comedy, historical fiction, and stories about struggle and triumph. With its unparalleled combination of lavish aesthetics, historical allusions, and refreshingly comic undertones, "The Great" promises a ride into history that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.