The Crown (2016) - TV Series Review (Season 1)

"We’re all dying. That’s what defines the condition of living."

The Crown is a series about Queen Elizabeth II and her early years as the Queen. Now personally, I don't really have that much interest in the subject matter and wouldn't go actively look for media showcasing it, but after hearing so many great things about it, I decided to give it a watch. To my surprise, I was hooked from the start. The series is so well made, the execution of everything is so exemplary, and its pacing is remarkably well balanced (for a series like this), that I couldn't help but have a wonderful time with it. I was intrigued by the inner workings of the royal household, and how the crown weighs on the bearer and the people surrounding them.

The casting was damn good. Many of the actors do look similar to the personalities they are portraying in that time, and the acting itself was marvelous. Clair Foy is so lovely and plays as the queen with great beauty. John Lithgow, the standout performance of the series for me, plays Winston Churchill, and all I can say is WOW, the dude just kills it. Jared Harris, who had a relatively short role as the King, also delivered a very powerful performance. From the supporting cast to the main ones (some already mentioned), the performances were great.

Using that acting talent, the series made you care for the characters, and amplified everything with the help of amazing cinematography, sets, and costumes. It is a gorgeous looking series. Doesn't even look like one. Feels more like a high budget drama movie in each episode.

Now, the series isn't filled with crazy politics (there is some politics) or life and death situations around every corner considering the topic, but instead manages to add weight to everything that happens thanks to the aforementioned points and its musical score. MY GOD some of the tracks are just mesmerizing. And just the addition of them adds so much emotional weight that I was often left in complete awe. My favorite episode of this Season 1 was Episode 2: Hyde Park Corner, and without spoiling anything for those who don't know the history, the way they handled it was simply POWERFUL! And it wouldn't have been the same without the amazing score.

All in all, this was an amazing season 1. Netflix is definitely killing it with all these new series. And I'm really looking forward to the second season. I highly recommend that you atleast give it a try regardless of whether you like the premise or not.

9/10

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