“The Great” tells the story of woman who won’t let sexism or her hilariously incompetent husband stand in the way of her destiny. Billed as “an occasionally true story,” the Hulu series depicts the triumphs and tribulations of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning), an outsider who becomes the longest reigning female ruler in Russia’s history.
Determined to be “useful to Russia” and “help its greatness,” Catherine arrives in Russia an idealistic young woman enthusiastic about playing a role in leading the country alongside her husband, Emperor Peter (Nicholas Hoult). She’s wholly unprepared for the realities of her arranged marriage. “You don’t talk, my love,” Peter tells her when she attempts to make a toast at a party.
An impulsive and cruel overgrown child, Peter isn’t interested in anything his new wife has to say, least of all her political aspirations. Peter is a narcissist who is convinced that Catherine’s only use is bearing his heirs. He couldn’t care less about her plans to make Russia more socially progressive.
When we’re first introduced to Catherine, she’s exceptionally bright but dangerously naive. She’s a fast study, and it’s not long before she gains an awareness of how the court works and how she’s expected to behave — though she revels in bucking expectations.
“The Great” is far less concerned with historical accuracy than entertaining audiences, and it certainly delivers on that front. Those with a distaste for the self-seriousness and pomp and circumstance of period dramas will welcome “The Great’s” irreverent dialogue and fast pacing. The barbs are relentless — everyone and everything is fodder for a quip, though oftentimes characters, and Peter especially, don’t realize they are the butt of a joke. The dark comedy is merciless, and shares much in common with creator Tony McNamara’s Oscar-nominated screenplay for “The Favourite,” another period story with bite.
But “The Great” is also a coming-of-age story about an ambitious young woman who seizes power from someone incapable of recognizing her as a threat. Constantly underestimated by her husband, Catherine spends her time debating the nuances of Machiavelli while Peter passes the hours drinking, fucking, and doing pretty much everything and anything besides strategizing.
“The Great” is now available on Hulu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=hJGedvRfHYg&feature=emb_title
