Home / Arts and Entertainment / The Serpent Queen: Witty, Wicked Royal Drama
The Serpent Queen: Witty, Wicked Royal Drama
26 Nov
Summary
- Samantha Morton stars as the ruthless 16th-century French monarch Catherine de Medici.
- The series offers a contemporary spin on Catherine's rise to power, inspired by a biography.
- Praised for its wit and Morton's performance, it draws comparisons to 'The Great'.
Period drama enthusiasts can now stream 'The Serpent Queen' on Channel 4, featuring BAFTA winner Samantha Morton as the iconic French monarch Catherine de Medici. Set in the 16th century, the series chronicles Catherine's journey from a young orphaned bride to one of history's most influential women, navigating courtly intrigue with ruthless ambition. Its modern, witty approach, reminiscent of 'The Great,' has garnered significant praise.
The drama is inspired by Leonie Frieda's biography of the queen, offering a contemporary perspective on her rise to power. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks as Catherine imparts life lessons to a servant. Her marriage into the French court at 14 is complicated by her husband's infatuation with an older lady-in-waiting, forcing Catherine to quickly learn whom to trust and how to outmaneuver rivals to secure her survival.
With a stellar cast including Amrita Acharia and Ruby Bentall, and anticipated appearances from Minnie Driver as Queen Elizabeth I, 'The Serpent Queen' boasts a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics laud Morton's performance as fitting for this "darkly satirical period drama," noting its engaging, convention-defying style with "Fleabag-esque glances to camera."
