Netflix has a great track record when it comes to swoonworthy period dramas. From Bridgerton to The Empress, the streaming platform rarely fails to deliver on billowing skirts, steamy romances and sweeping landscapes – and its latest release is shaping up to be another must-watch.
Viewers are loving the new adaptation of coming-of-age classic, My Brilliant Career. Based on Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel, the series follows Sybylla, a sharp-witted aspiring writer in early 20th-century Australia, who refuses to conform to societal expectations.
If, like me, you’re still searching for your next period drama fix following the end of Bridgerton season four, look no further. Keep reading to find out what viewers and critics have said about the show.
What have viewers and critics said about My Brilliant Career?
Viewers have hailed the series as “sensational” and “one of the best shows of the year”.
Taking to social media, one person penned: “How fantastic is Netflix’s #MyBrilliantCareer. I cannot recommend it highly enough,” while another added: “I need season two of this. Watched the first season in 2 days so good.”
© NetflixA third viewer penned: “#MyBrilliantCareer might just be one of the best shows of the year,” while another wrote: “Just started this brand new show this morning and oh my word… 5 episodes deep. It’s SENSATIONAL. Think of Anne of Green Gables meets Little Women in Australia. So many beautiful fresh faces!!!!”
TV critics were just as complimentary. The Guardian described the show as “witty, intelligent and absolutely glorious to watch,” in its five-star review, while Variety hailed the series as “a vibrant, sexy and energetic adaptation” and The Telegraph handed out four stars to the “charming coming-of-age tale”.
What is My Brilliant Career about?
The series follows Sybylla, a headstrong young woman whose dreams of independence and creative freedom clash with societal expectations.
The synopsis reads: “Sybylla is a shockingly modern young woman with one searing ambition – to be a writer, while her family is determined to marry her off. With an irrepressible taste for fun, Sybylla breaks every convention of 1900 Australia as she searches for a story that will allow her to write her way to independence.
© Ian Routledge/Netflix“For her, the choice between adventure or marriage seems easy, until she falls in love. Will Sybylla marry, or will she risk it all for a creative life?”
© Ian Routledge/NetflixThe series comes almost 50 years after Australian director Gillian Armstrong’s1979 film adaptation, starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill.
Who stars in My Brilliant Career?
Australian actress Philippa Northeast (Home and Away, Paper Dolls, The Newsreader) leads the show as Sybylla.
She’s joined by Slow Horses star Christopher Chung as Harry, Anna Chancellor (Spooks, The Crown) as Mrs Bossier, Genevieve O’Reilly (Andor) as Helen and Jake Dunn (Renegade Nell) as Frank.
© Ian Routledge/NetflixRounding out the cast are Kate Mulvany (Hunters, Elvis), Alexander England (Black Snow, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) as Julius, Sherry-Lee Watson (Thou Shalt Not Steal, Heartbreak High) as Nell and Miah Madden (Paper Dolls, The Clearing) as Betty.
My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix.
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