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Home - Review: ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ – A Regal Journey Through Love, Scandal, and Mental Resilience
MENTAL HEALTH

Review: ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ – A Regal Journey Through Love, Scandal, and Mental Resilience

Alexandra NymanBy Alexandra NymanAugust 6, 20245 Mins Read
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Photo Credit: Nick Wall/Netflix

I know I am late to the game, but I thought it was essential to write a review on Netflix’s prequel series to Bridgerton, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.” The limited series, which spans eight episodes, is a captivating companion to the beloved Netflix hit “Bridgerton.” With “Queen Charlotte,” fans were eager to see the bubbling socialite’s youth and unravel her mysterious relationship with the King.

Synopsis

“Queen Charlotte” unfolds across two timelines. The series follows the 17-year-old Charlotte, portrayed by India Ria Amarteifio, as she resists societal expectations to become the future Queen of England. In parallel, we see the Queen Charlotte we have come to know and love throughout Bridgerton, played by Golda Rosheuvel, alongside Lady Agatha Danbury and Lady Violet Bridgerton. The series explores Charlotte’s rise to power and the dynamics within the Bridgerton world and delivers a signature blend of romance and diversity.

Highs

One of the most striking elements of “Queen Charlotte” is its meticulous attention to detail in costumes and settings. The opulent ballrooms and elegant regency gowns impeccably capture the essence of the era (which, of course, I would be drawn to the costumes; I did begin my career as a costume designer when I made my debut in the fashion realm).

The costumes transported viewers to a time when everyday wear was a couture masterpiece and created an immersive experience. The lavish costumes reflect each character’s personality and how they fit into high society’s sensibilities, while the intricately designed sets enhance the show’s authenticity, bringing the Regency era to life in all its grandeur.

queen charlotte mental health awareness
Photo Credit: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

A Focus on Mental Health

A unique twist in “Queen Charlotte” is its exploration of mental health, mainly through the character of King George III, the “Mad King of England.” King George III experienced four prolonged periods of illness during his reign, with symptoms manifesting both physically and mentally. His physical ailments included fever, vomiting, swelling, and severe pain, while his mental health issues led to episodes of mania characterized by uncontrollable talking, wild behavior, and occasional violence. This is described in “Queen Charlotte” as a recurring theme of George and his planetarium and his affinity for the stars. He sometimes becomes overjoyed to the point of mania at the constellations unfolding before his very eyes.

The most severe bout of the King’s illness began in November 1810 after the death of his daughter, Princess Amelia, and he never recovered, spending his last years in isolation at Windsor Castle. His doctors’ horrific and ineffective treatments at Kew Palace failed to alleviate his symptoms, which led to the eventual dismissal of Dr. Francis Willis “services”. In “Queen Charlotte,” Dr. Willis is turned into the character of Dr. Monro (played by Guy Henry). Guy Henry gives an incredible performance, which is sometimes hard to watch. The scenes of the doctor’s “treatment” made me wonder about the treatment of my Grandmother, who in the 1950s-1970s was forced to have ECT or electroconvulsive therapy for her bipolar disorder type i. Did she benefit from the treatments? Did they harm her mentally more than they helped her? Unfortunately, these questions can never be answered.

The exact cause of George III’s illness remains undetermined, with various theories including arsenic poisoning, porphyria, and bipolar disorder. The complexity of his condition is further complicated by the political machinations of his time, particularly the Prince of Wales’ efforts to assume regency by installing a doctor who would report pessimistically on the King’s health. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his diagnosis, his harsh treatments, along with the political strife and the emotional toll on Queen Charlotte and their daughters, paint a picture far more complex than the simplistic label of ‘The Mad King.’

queen charlotte and mental health
Photo Credit: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

The series delves into the complexities of George’s life with mental illness, portraying it with sensitivity and depth. Charlotte’s journey involves grappling with the reality of marrying a king struggling with mental health issues, leading to an exploration of understanding and reconciliation.

The series’ depiction of King George III’s mental illness stands out as a refreshing and rare approach. Rather than demonizing him, it presents him as a character deserving of love and compassion. This portrayal breaks the stigma surrounding mental illness, promoting understanding and empathy. The series uses this narrative to shed light on the complexities of mental health, raising awareness and advocating for respectful treatment of individuals living with such conditions.

Relatable and Nuanced Representation

For viewers who have experienced the challenges of mental illness in their personal lives, “Queen Charlotte” offers a relatable and nuanced representation. The struggles of managing mental illness within a marriage are depicted with authenticity, drawing parallels to real-life experiences. The series showcases the importance of family support, stability, and understanding in maintaining relationships affected by behavioral health issues. Despite his struggles, Charlotte’s unwavering support for George emphasizes the power of love and commitment in overcoming challenges.

Lows

While “Queen Charlotte” has garnered praise for its portrayal of mental health, it is worth noting that the series includes several explicit sex scenes. Some viewers have expressed that these scenes detract from the character development and try to force a romance out of hatred and lust. These scenes have alienated some audience members who see the scenes as pandering and lazy writing. I agree to some extent that the writers could have tried to form the romance narrative more meaningfully, given the attention to detail and sensitivity they had surrounding telling the story of a man living with mental illness.

via GIPHY

Verdict

“Queen Charlotte” is a must-watch series. Its engaging storytelling and sensitive portrayal of mental health capture interest and offer something for everyone. The series is a powerful platform for raising awareness about mental illness and promoting compassion and understanding.

The Sobees Mindful Binge Score: 4 out of 5


Call 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress. You can learn more about its services here, including its guide on what to do if you see suicidal language on social media. You can also call that number to talk to someone about how you can help a person in crisis. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.

For support outside of the US, a worldwide directory of resources and international hotlines is provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. You can also turn to Befrienders Worldwide.​


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Help is Available

If you or someone you love is living with substance use, alcohol misuse, a co-occurring, or a behavioral health disorder, there is hope. The Break Free Foundation aids individuals seeking recovery through the Break Free Scholarship Fund. It sends anyone who lacks the financial resources to attend a recovery center to do so at low to no cost.

Review our Treatment Locator Tool to find the right program near you, as well as our list of Hotlines and Helplines. Click here for a list of regional and national resources. On this road to recovery, no one is alone. We are all in this together.

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Alexandra Nyman
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Alexandra Nyman is a fashion designer, marketing professional, and the founder of the Break Free Foundation. When she is not screaming at the top of her lungs, advocating for change, she can be found taking a million pictures of her cat and playing way too much Animal Crossing.

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