BBC viewers praise 'sublime' period drama featuring 'greatest living actor'
Audiences are enamoured with the "astounding" historical drama set in the era of the Tudors, commending its adherence to historical detail and the "sublime" quality of the acting.
BBC's Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light brings to life the novels of Hilary Mantel, chronicling the intriguing latter years of Thomas Cromwell as the lawyer and principal secretary to King Henry VIII. Viewers find themselves captivated by Cromwell's complex life that ultimately leads to his execution by order of the monarch.
Taking place in the 1500s, the initial six-part series showcases the zenith of Cromwell's clout before his subsequent disgrace, delving into the fraught tensions between him, the king, and the Royal court. Following Anne Boleyn's infamous execution, the drama unfurls without holding back on the intense intrigue of the era.
Having premiered in 2015, the series still garners high praise from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. A fan commented, "Absolutely astounding! This show was incredible, and the performances from the cast made me feel like I was witnessing the actual events that were depicted in the show. All period pieces should use this show as a template because it was amazing in every way. I definitely recommend this for mediaeval and history fans!".
A recent Vogue review read: "Rylance is one of our greatest living actors, and the emotions he holds in his face are manifold. His delivery of Mantel's dialogue-modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge-is mesmerisingly clear", reports the Express.
Mark Rylance's spellbinding portrayal of Thomas Cromwell has profoundly resonated with audiences. His co-star Damian Lewis takes on the role of Henry VIII, with both actors receiving widespread acclaim for their depictions of the storied characters.
Echoing this sentiment, a critic said: "An utterly sublime performance by Rylance and Lewis. The whole programme is beautiful."
Serving as a second season to the critically acclaimed Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel's novels, there's a consensus that this season may surpass its predecessor. While season one covered Mantel's first two books, 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring Up the Bodies', the current series adapts her final book and shares its title.
Another review reads: "Season 2 of Wolf Hall still has many of the things going for it that made season 1 so good. First and foremost, that would be the strong source material in Hilary Mantel's literature and excellent acting. There is also a strong sense of historical accuracy in some regards, down to the finer details of costume design."
Adding to the accolades, a viewer said: "Season 2 is arguably greater than its acclaimed predecessor. Cromwell's middle-aged regrets build poignantly, while brisker pacing and some levity lend the proceedings a teeming liveliness."
For those keen on delving into the life of Thomas Cromwell and the reign of King Henry VIII, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is now ready for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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