Watch Angelyne

"Angelyne" is a provocative and iconoclastic mini-series available on the Peacock platform in 2022. This uniquely vibrant series tells the story of a woman who, in many ways, epitomizes the allure and mystery of Hollywood stardom. In order to decipher the mythology surrounding Angelyne, it is first necessary to understand the context of her rise to fame. She emerged onto the scene in the 1980s as a self-created pop culture phenomenon, defying traditional expectations and conventions.

Angelyne, born Ronia Tamar Goldberg in Poland to Holocaust survivors, reinvented herself within the fame-driven city of Los Angeles. With her platinum blonde hair, provocative outfits, and larger than life persona she presented herself as a flamboyant figure, impossible to miss and even harder to understand.

The titular character is played by Emmy Rossum, who delivers an outstanding performance that perfectly encapsulates Angelyne's enigmatic and dichotomous nature. She's able to embody every nuance of this character, constantly grappling with the stark contrast between her public persona and private reality.

The series paints a vivid portrait of Los Angeles during Angelyne’s heyday presenting a visual spectacle of the 1980s aesthetics mixed with a dash of gritty reality. The city stands not only as a backdrop but also as an essential character in the narrative adding another layer of depth to Angelyne’s lustrous and complex persona.

Part flashy biopic and part character study, the series examines the incredible journey that led a shy, uncertain woman to rebrand herself as an undisputed Hollywood icon. It seeks out the story buried beneath the hype to reveal the determined woman who was willing to disrupt societal norms to create an undeniable and memorable legacy entirely on her own terms.

"Angelyne" also delves into the more human side of this public figure, exploring the lonely reality behind her fame. It features supporting characters who not only share their perspectives of Angelyne but also serve as partial narrators, commenting on who they believe she really is. The storytelling is episodic, blending elements of drama, mystery, and biographical exploration.

The series also evokes nostalgia for a distinctly unique era in history. The 1980s, with its bold fashion, music, and cultural movements, plays a significant role in the series, as does the consumer-driven idea of fame during that period. The show is imbued with emblematic pop culture references, vintage fashion, and classic hits that are sure to resonate with viewers who appreciate this classic era.

Despite the inherent mystique surrounding her persona, Angelyne is composed of contrasting parts: the glamorous, flamboyant performer, and the determined woman with a traumatic past. As Rossum peels back the layers on this enigmatic character, she presents a complex portrait of a woman who takes life as a blank canvas, painting her own version of the American dream in glitter and rhinestones.

The creators of "Angelyne" have successfully devised a narrative that maintains reverence for its protagonist, while also offering an intriguing glimpse into Los Angeles during its pivotal and transitional eighties era. This makes for not only a compelling biographical exploration but also a love letter to a bygone era characterized by bold expressiveness and individualism.

In its entirety, "Angelyne" navigates the blurred line between reality and fiction, presenting a poignant exploration of identity, fame, and reinvention. A deeply humbling series, it reverberates with the poignant hymn of a woman who rose from a tormenting past and created an arresting brand of stardom, painting herself as an enigmatic figure, an ambitious go-getter, and a beacon of paradox.

Both insightful and intriguing, "Angelyne" is a series that innovatively reflects on society's obsession with fame and the cost of maintaining such public notoriety. With a fearless performance from Rossum at its core and a vivid, nostalgiac portrayal of 1980s Los Angeles as its backdrop, "Angelyne" is a vibrant and compelling exploration of an American pop culture icon worth watching. It is a testament to the power of self-invention and a touching exploration of how far one woman will go to define her own identity.

Angelyne is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between May 19, 2022 and on Peacock