Scandal, high society politics, and the unbreakable, yet often tumultuous, bond of sisterhood collide in BritBox's new drama, Outrageous. The series vividly brings the Mitford sisters' wild and infamous true story to life. Here are my thoughts on its captivating premiere.
BritBox's new historical drama, Outrageous, opens with a dazzling, if at times chaotic, introduction to one of Britain's most notorious families: the Mitford sisters. Drawing from their escapades and profound ideological conflicts that captivated the world in the 1930s, the initial two episodes deftly blend high society scandal, sharp social satire, and nuanced character development, laying the groundwork for a captivating narrative.
Narrated by the eldest sister Nancy (played by Bessie Carter), the series immediately establishes its distinct tone: witty, impeccably stylish, and subly tinged with a sense of dread about history's unfolding trajectory. Early on, Nancy grapples with poignant romantic disappointment, questioning her boyfriend's true intentions regarding marriage. However, her fortunes soon take a surprising turn.
This relatable heartbreak, set against a backdrop of aristocratic luxury, effectively sows the seeds of Nancy's burgeoning transformation and resilience.
Diana (played by Joanna Vanderham) begins the series seemingly settled in her marriage to Bryan Guinness. Still, her path soon veers dramatically as she resolves to leave him for Oswald Mosley (played by Joshua Sassa), the controversial fascist founder of the British Union. While Diana adamantly insists she's merely following her heart, her audacious choices quickly ignite a national scandal, escalating further after Mosley's wife dies. Vanderham's portrayal of Diana, delivered with a captivating blend of icy control and simmering emotional chaos, stands out as one of the show's most compelling performances.
The younger sisters, Unity (Shaoon Watson) and Jessica (Zoe Brough), starkly reflect the intense political struggles of their era. Unity meets Mosley at a formal party and quickly becomes an ardent supporter of fascism, eventually even visiting Hitler in Germany. In contrast, Jessica is deeply drawn to Communism after witnessing protestors bravely fight for their rights. A particularly striking development occurs in the second episode as Unity visibly evolves while walking through a tunnel with Diana, just before they witness Hitler's speech in Germany. This parable shift from the character introduced in the first episode is one of these initial installments' most compelling character arcs.
The show's distinctive style masterfully blends traditional historical drama with elements of dark comedy centered on profound family dysfunction. It achieves a surprisingly contemporary feel while meticulously maintaining period authenticity. The dialogue is truly crackers, particularly in scenes where the girl's father, David Mitford, attempts (and doesn’t quite succeed) to impose order. A standout, memorable moment occurs when Unity passionately defends fascism, only to be sent out by her father, not once, but twice.
So far, Outrageous is shaping up to be a stylish, thought-provoking, and auspicious addition to BritBox's lineup of originals. Even with just two episodes released, the delightful character growth, particularly from Nancy and Unity, is evident and engaging. The show's incredible blend of history, dark humor, and unexpected heart makes it fresh and enjoyable to watch. Whether you're drawn in by the lush period drama aesthetics or captivated by the notorious real-life history of this infamous family, Outrageous is undoubtedly worth your time. Overall, I give these first two episodes an impressive 8.5/10.
Have you started watching Outrageous yet? What are your initial thoughts on the Mitford sisters' story coming to life? Share your comment below.
New episodes of Outrageois drop every Wednesday on BritBox.
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