Watch The Romanoffs

The Romanoffs is a lavish and ambitious drama series from Amazon Studios that premiered in 2018. Created, written, directed, and produced by Matthew Weiner (who is best known as the creative force behind Mad Men), this anthology show consists of eight stand-alone episodes that are united by one common thread: the characters are all descendants of the Russian royal family, the Romanovs.

Each installment tells a different story, taking us to different parts of the world and introducing us to a diverse range of characters. Some episodes are set in the present day, while others take place in different historical periods. The show explores themes such as identity, family, legacy, and the complexity of human relationships.

The cast is an impressive ensemble of international actors, including Aaron Eckhart, Marthe Keller, Louise Bourgoin, Darina Al Joundi, Vernon Dobtcheff, Laurent Bateau, Corey Stoll, and Kerry Bish. Each episode features a different group of actors, with some notable guest stars appearing in multiple episodes.

The first episode, "The Violet Hour," introduces us to a wealthy woman named Anushka (Marthe Keller) who lives in a grand old apartment in Paris. Her American nephew, Greg (Aaron Eckhart), comes to visit her in the hopes of persuading her to part with some of her valuable possessions. But as they rummage through her belongings, they discover a surprising connection to the Romanov family.

The second episode, "The Royal We," takes us to modern-day New York City, where a young couple (Kerry Bishé and Corey Stoll) are struggling to conceive a child. When they learn that they may be related to the Romanovs, it sets off a chain of events that could have far-reaching consequences.

Other episodes explore themes such as adoption ("House of Special Purpose"), the power of art ("Expectation"), family secrets ("End of the Line"), and the impact of technology on our relationships ("Bright and High Circle").

One of the strengths of The Romanoffs is its stunning visual style. Each episode features gorgeous costumes, sets, and locations that transport the viewer to different parts of the world. The show's opening titles sequence, which features a kaleidoscope of images set to the haunting strains of Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Vespers," is a particular highlight.

Another strength is the writing, which is intelligent, insightful, and often funny. Weiner clearly has a knack for crafting complex characters and situations that feel grounded in reality, even when they veer towards the fantastical. The acting is uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing their own unique perspective to their role.

However, the show's anthology format is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows for a variety of stories and settings that keep the viewer engaged. On the other hand, it can sometimes feel disjointed and unconnected, with some episodes lacking the emotional punch of others. Additionally, some viewers may be disappointed that the show doesn't delve deeper into the history of the Romanovs, opting instead to use their name as a jumping-off point for entirely fictional narratives.

Overall, The Romanoffs is a stylish, ambitious, and often engaging series that is well worth watching. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy intelligent, character-driven dramas will find much to appreciate here.

The Romanoffs is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between October 12, 2018 and on Amazon