There is something mesmerizing about the Royal Family. They have not been strangers to the media of the 21st century and many people find them interesting. One can compare the First Family of the United States to the Royal Family. The difference is, the first family of the United States changes every four to eight years. The Monarch remains the same until the reigning Monarch passes away and the Crown is passed.
Netflix’s The Crown takes us through the years of 1947-1956. Despite knowing what happens next, the 10 episode series makes the audience wonder what exactly happens next. In a world of spoilers, this show was spoiled by history. Yet, that didn’t seem to matter in the way this show colored in the black and white history.
There is always talk of chemistry between actors. Does it work? If it doesn’t, does it transpire on screen? For that of Matt Smith and Claire Foy, the relationship between Philip and Elizabeth, there is some strain. Their relationship is almost awkward to watch. But that awkwardness and strain is needed. At the beginning of the series, Elizabeth is 21 and Philip is 26 – a five year difference. What a lot of people don’t know is that Elizabeth was 13 when she first developed her crush on the Prince and it was her father who made her wait until her 21st birthday to marry.
Claire Foy brings an innocence to Elizabeth at the beginning of her reign and she slowly gets stronger, more sure, of herself as the years go on. Matt Smith brings the unhappiness of a husband who thinks his wife has become the Crown and all that comes with it instead of the woman he married. Clair Foy shows the struggle Elizabeth has from not getting swallowed by the rules of the Monarchy and tries to be herself. Together they have a very tumultuous relationship and it shows.
While more things could be said about the acting of the title characters of the show, many more things can be said about John Lithgow’s portrayal of Winston Churchill. From our history books, we know he was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice. In the portrayal by Lithgow, Winston Churchill seemed very much of a curmudgeon. Very unhappy with life. But that might have been age. He was 70 years old the second time he became Prime Minister. There are moments when you feel for Winston Churchill, despite what history has told us of him. One can even argue that Mr. Lithgow’s performance may reward him with an Emmy Nomination and possible win.
Before her father’s death Elizabeth and Philip take a world tour and the sweeping shots of the countries they visit are extraordinary. There were elements that were used to make the scenery seem authentic. In partner ship with the scenery are the costumes. Period pieces are always difficult to make and seem authentic. These costumes are gorgeous – it is evident that a lot of attention was paid to detail and to the history in which these costumes needed to be placed.
This season sets up a lot of history. Things one may not know. Things that need the watcher to Google and research on their own. There was a period of a few days when there was a toxic smoke that filled the air of London – many died and many survived – yet not many know about it. The same could be said for Elizabeth’s sister Margaret and her affair with a man who was much older than her. While Margaret wanted to marry this man, she couldn’t until a certain age and even then she wasn’t allowed to because of rules put in place with the Monarch. With a simple keystroke on Google, one would find that the pair did not marry and Margaret married someone else.
In a society of instant access to facts, historical pictures and shows are full of “spoilers”. The knowledge is there. It’s the actors and the talents of the director to bring out the surprises despite the historical backstory this brings.
As a whole, the season moved slowly. It was very much a set up season and set up the personalities of these characters and things that get the ball rolling. The Queen is the oldest reigning monarch, having reigned for about 65 years now and continues to rule at the age of 90. Watching this show, you know the little boy running around his mother is Charles and one day, he will be at the center of a media circus when his wife dies. And we know that he will have a son and his son will have a son – three generations of men who will take the Crown.
You can watch all 10 episodes on Netflix now. Netflix has a 6 season order that will take their audience into the Queen’s present life.