Becoming Elizabeth Story:-
In the wake of her father Henry VIII’s demise, teenage Elizabeth Tudor (Alicia von Rittberg) finds herself thrust into a maelstrom of political intrigue.
Elizabeth Tudor (Alicia von Rittberg) isn’t blind to the power plays around her. “It’s a great game of keep or kill to them all,” she bitterly remarks when abruptly sent to live with Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine), widow of her father, King Henry VIII. Yet, at the start of Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth, she hasn’t yet learned to navigate the game herself.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 26 August 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Creator | Anya Reiss |
| Cast | Alicia von Rittberg, Romola Garai, Jessica Raine, Tom Cullen, Bella Ramsey, Oliver Zetterström, John Heffernan, Jamie Blackley, Jacob Avery, Alexandra Gilbreath, Leo Bill, Ekow Quartey, Alex Macqueen, Olivier Huband |
| Director | Justin Chadwick, Udayan Prasad, Catherine Morshead |
| Writer | Anya Reiss, Anna Jordan, Emily Ballou |
| Cinematography | Lukasz Gutt, Adolpho Veloso, Tony Miller |
| Music | Tim Phillips |
| Producer | George Ormond, Faber, Anya Reiss, Lisa Osborne |
| Production | The Forge |
| Certificate | 18+ |
Her journey from pawn to pivotal figure forms the core of the series, with the inevitable outcome being her ascension to rule England for nearly five decades. However, creator Anya Reiss brings an intimate lens to Elizabeth I’s story, emphasizing personal experience over sweeping historical narratives. The result is a series that neither sensationalizes the Tudor era (as seen in The Tudors) nor freezes it in time (as in Anne Boleyn), but rather captures its dynamic complexity.
Becoming Elizabeth begins not with Elizabeth’s inherent power as the daughter of a king but with her profound vulnerability. In the opening moments, 14-year-old Elizabeth, along with her half-siblings Mary (Romola Garai) and Edward (Oliver Zetterström), are abruptly gathered together, fearing the worst. Their dread reflects the precariousness of their positions, aware that their lineage alone could lead to their demise.
The series emphasizes experiencing these moments through the eyes of those living them, rather than through the lens of hindsight. While some moments carry an ironic weight, such as Catherine Parr’s jest about potential executions, the focus remains on the characters’ immediate fears and uncertainties, rather than their eventual fates.
Directed by Justin Chadwick, who helmed the first three out of four episodes sent to critics and eight in total for the season, perfectly complements Reiss’ vision with a handheld camera that intimately captures the cast. The actors reciprocate with nuanced performances, skillfully portraying the tension between their true emotions, societal expectations, and hidden agendas.
While the series showcases the grandeur of its setting, it places greater emphasis on the quiet conflicts that unfold behind closed doors. Rather than extravagant battles, Becoming Elizabeth delves into the subtle power struggles driven by personal vendettas and individual ambitions.
The escalating tensions between siblings Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth are portrayed with a nuanced exploration of their familial bond and inherent rivalry. Elizabeth’s attempt to confide in Mary underscores the complex dynamics between trust and betrayal within the royal family. Similarly, the power play between noble brothers Thomas Seymour and Edward Seymour unfolds not only in heated debates but also in Thomas’ inappropriate advances towards Elizabeth.
With intersecting storylines, each episode feels densely packed, occasionally extending beyond its one-hour runtime. However, Reiss skillfully selects scenes to maintain a brisk pace while allowing for character development. From a discontented princess to a determined court player, Elizabeth’s transformation is palpable, culminating in her declaration of shedding her naïveté.
Yet, Becoming Elizabeth also allows room for Elizabeth’s youthful impulsiveness and assertiveness, exemplified in her confrontation with a concerned friend. By portraying her as a teenager first, the series grants her agency often overlooked in historical narratives. In doing so, it breathes new life into a timeless tale, offering a fresh perspective on one of history’s most influential figures.
