BBC period drama fans rave about fantastically cast 'unrecognisable' The Crown star
Viewers are rekindling their love for a 2008 costume drama that has brilliantly encapsulated a classic Dickensian narrative, led by a "fantastic cast", which includes an actress whose transformation is spellbinding.
'Little Dorrit', a BBC miniseries, dives into Charles Dickens's lesser-celebrated eponymous novel set in the 1850s. The plot tracks the peculiar existence of Amy Dorrit who, for twenty-one years, lived within the confines of a debtors' prison with her father.
The tale takes a turn when Amy encounters Arthur Clennam, who, in pursuit of his family's elusive legacy, discovers it to be mysteriously connected to the Dorrit family. In seeking answers, Clennam is introduced to diverse individuals through Amy's gentle spirit, from the extraordinarily wealthy to those barely scraping by.
Set amidst the class disparities of Victorian England, Dickens's signature commentary on social inequities underpins the series. However, viewers have found 'Little Dorrit' to have an engaging charm despite the sombre undertones.
Praise for the show also appears on Rotten Tomatoes, stating: "This is a great BBC mini-series; though most of their mini-series are really good. The story has so many characters and smaller plots going on that one really must pay attention to everything. The casting was also brilliant.", reports Surrey Live.
"Matthew Macfadyen and Claire Foy gave their characters such life and had so many subtleties. Andy Serkis, who played Rigaud, was also amazing; you had your eyes on him in every scene he was in."
While another viewer added: "I absolutely loved this movie. I think it may have even surpassed the BBC's marvellous representation of Pride and Prejudice...in my opinion."
British actress Claire Foy takes on the role of Amy Dorrit in the series, a stark contrast to her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in The Crown, making her almost unrecognisable. This early part was crucial for Foy, marking her emergence well before she reached the pinnacle of fame with roles in Season of the Witch, The Girl in the Spider's Web, and Unsane.
She is joined by a stellar lineup of British talent, including Matthew Macfadyen as Arthur Clennam and Andy Serkis, better known for his work in Lord of The Rings, as Rigaud. Screen legends Tom Courtenay and Sue Johnston are also amongst the cast enriching the BBC adaptation.
One critique says: "This mini-series is almost perfect. Great costumes and sets. Great camera work. Fantastic acting all around. Everyone inhabits their characters completely. A good amount of humour too amongst the Dickensian bleakness. However, I don't think all the loose ends were tied up very well.."
Another viewer wrote: "I don't know how this compares to the book, but this series is engaging and has a touch of mystery to it that keeps you eagerly watching to see how all the varied parties are interconnected in the end. Wonderful acting as well. A worthy period drama."
The overlooked gem of a period drama, Little Dorrit, can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
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