Vanity Fair (2018)

Vanity Fair is an intriguing drama series that aired on Amazon Prime in 2018 based on the classic 1848 novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. The narrative revolves around the life of the primary protagonist, Becky Sharp, who is characterized as a strong-willed, cunning and ambitious woman, eager to climb the echelons of English society.

The show expounds Becky’s life, her relationships, struggles, and her discernible quest for a better life. The narrative spans over several years in the early 19th century against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, offering viewers a glimpse into the socio-economic conditions and cultural mores of the British society of that era.

In Vanity Fair, viewers get to meet wildly disparate characters, from the snobbish aristocrats to the downtrodden classes, each role designed intricately to contribute to the larger story. The main character, Becky Sharp, however, relishes the spotlight – a character born in the lower strata of society with an iron will to change her destiny. Becky’s journey starts at the esteemed Miss Pinkerton's Academy for Young Ladies where she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the privileged but naive Amelia Sedley.

Following the Academy, Becky sees herself as a governess for the wealthy Sir Pitt Crawley, sparking the beginning of her social ascent. The complexity and charm of her character lays in her canny manipulation and strategic maneuvering through the echelons of society, while seamlessly breaking the barriers of her social status.

Vanity Fair brings to life the broad tapestry of English society during the Napoleonic wars. It provides a rich tableau of characters representing different tiers of society with wonderfully detailed costume design and enviably idyllic English landscapes. The series accurately portrays the era’s socioeconomic disparities and sharply juxtaposes Becky’s pursuit for materialistic gains against the backdrop of societal expectations for women.

In the series, you get to witness ravishing balls, passionate Romances, scandalous gossip, spectacular fashion, and elegant society held on a precipice of war and calamity. The narrative thrives on Becky’s charm to manipulate and successfully ascend to the highest echelons, challenging societal norms along the way.

One of the standout aspects of Vanity Fair is its commitment to realism. The series captures the details of the era and the lavish, intricate lives of the aristocracy while simultaneously starkly presenting the disparity and struggle in the lower rungs of society. The dire circumstances and impending war provide a poignant backdrop to this world of grandeur and pageantry, creating a more profound sense of drama and tension.

Owing to its vibrant characters, captivating dialogue, and stunning visuals, Vanity Fair provides viewers with a delightful viewing experience. Olivia Cooke delivers a compelling performance as Becky with skillful élan and a cunning charm that befits her character magnificently. Amelia Sedley, portrayed by Claudia Jessie, remains another memorable character, presented as a naïve, gentle-hearted young woman who often serves as Becky's moral compass and anchor.

Director James Strong and writers Gwyneth Hughes, William Makepeace Thackeray have masterfully taken this celebrated Victorian literature and transformed it into an engaging and interwoven narrative that continues to feel relevant even today. Combining the prose of Thackeray with the cinematography of Niall MacCormick, this series creates a viewing experience that is not only visually magnificent but also emotionally resonating.

For fans of historical genre or those simply seeking a drama laden with rich characters, societal critique, romance, and an exploration of ambitions, Vanity Fair on Amazon Prime is an indulgent ride right through the heart of 19th-century England.

On the whole, this rendition of Vanity Fair offers viewers an intimate glimpse into an era marked by its exacting societal norms and rigid class stratification. It serves as a commentary, a critique, and an observation of the larger society using the intriguing narrative of one woman's ambition to rise above her disadvantaged situation.