Netflix’s ‘My Brilliant Career’ Is a Spunky Reimagining of the Australian Period Drama: TV Review

FilmNews newsroom brief · 23d ago · 1 min read · via variety.com

Based on the feminist writer Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel of the same name — and having been previously adapted in Gillian Armstrong’s acclaimed 1979 film starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill — Netflix’s “My Brilliant Career” has a lot to live up to. The Australian period drama, adap

The reimagining of "My Brilliant Career" on Netflix is a significant development in the period drama genre, especially given the original novel's status as a feminist classic. The 1901 novel by Miles Franklin has been a cornerstone of Australian literature, and its themes of female independence and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences today. By updating the story for a modern audience, Netflix is not only introducing a new generation to Franklin's work but also providing a fresh take on a beloved classic.

The comparison to Gillian Armstrong's 1979 film adaptation, which starred Judy Davis and Sam Neill, is inevitable. That film was a landmark in Australian cinema, praised for its nuanced portrayal of life in the Australian outback. The new Netflix series has a tough act to follow, but its spunky reimagining could bring a new level of energy and relevance to the story. With the TV landscape increasingly dominated by period dramas, it's clear that Netflix is looking to make a splash in this genre.

As the TV adaptation of "My Brilliant Career" continues to roll out, it's worth keeping an eye on how it will be received by audiences and critics alike. Will it succeed in revitalizing a classic story for a new generation, or will it struggle to live up to the standard set by the 1979 film? Meanwhile, fans of period dramas may also want to check out other recent releases, such as "Bridgerton" and "The Great," which have also been making waves in the genre.

Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.

Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews curates and briefs the culture, style & media stories that matter. Our editorial policy →
Get the daily film signal:

More from FilmNews

Across the eCorp newsroom network

Part of the eCorp network