I love a good period piece. It’s always so compelling to see how people lived in such different times, not to mention the fascination that comes from seeing beautiful ballgowns onscreen or captivating war scenes. Here are some of my favorite period pieces on Netflix right now.
The King
Starring Timothee Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, and Lily-Rose Depp, this historical drama is both star-studded and gorgeously tense. The King follows Henry V’s rise to the throne and his experience with palace politics in the wake of his father’s death. With greyish tones, a clever script, and a clear arc and progression for the protagonist of the film, it’s hard to dislike The King for what it is; a well-crafted work of art, shrouded in violence.
Outlander
A stark contrast to The King, Outlander is much more emotional, and much more romantic. Claire Beauchamp Randall, a former British Army nurse in WWII, is enjoying time with her husband in Scotland after the war when she finds herself suddenly caught in time in 1743, in Jacobite-era Scotland. Somehow, she must find a way to survive in her new world by leaning on Jamie Fraser, a Scottish warrior who has his own strange past. This series is seriously swoon-worthy and very well-rounded, with a complex plot full of surprising twists, beautifully crafted costumes, and a stunning soundtrack.
The Borgias
If you’re someone who likes a lot of drama, this is definitely the show for you. Honestly, watching The Borgias feels like watching a crazy soap opera, until you realize the show is based on true events. This series follows the Borgia family in their quest to take over Renaissance-era Italy by working their way up to the papacy. It’s beautifully shot, with a darkly gripping storyline full of power, sex, murder, and anything else you could think of.
Basically, if you liked Game of Thrones, you’ll love The Borgias.
It’s always good to allow yourself a small escape from the world when things get tough. Especially during this winter break, it can be hard to feel comforted with a pandemic still wreaking havoc on society, so it’s especially important to let yourself transport to another time for at least a couple of hours. So sit down, grab some popcorn, and just enjoy watching somebody else’s life play out in front of you.