Watch Vanity Fair (2018)
- TV-14
- 2018
- 1 Season
-
7.3 (5,928)
Vanity Fair is an Amazon Prime drama series that premiered in 2018, based on the classic novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. The show follows the life and adventures of an ambitious young woman named Becky Sharp, who is determined to climb the social ladder and achieve success despite her humble origins.
Becky is played by Olivia Cooke, who delivers a remarkable performance as the cunning and complex protagonist of the story. She is joined by a talented ensemble cast including Claudia Jessie as her friend Amelia Sedley, Tom Bateman as Captain Rawdon Crawley, Johnny Flynn as William Dobbin, Charlie Rowe as George Osborne, and Simon Russell Beale, Anthony Head, Martin Clunes, Frances de la Tour, and Michael Palin in a variety of supporting roles.
The show offers a rich and detailed portrait of life in early 19th century England, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the Regency era. The visuals are stunning and the attention to detail is impressive, with the costumes, sets, and locations creating a vivid and immersive world for viewers to explore.
At its heart, though, Vanity Fair is a story about ambition, society, and human nature. Becky Sharp can be ruthless and manipulative, but she is also a survivor who refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of her goals. As she navigates the world of high society and encounters a range of colorful characters and scenarios, viewers are drawn into her world and are left rooting for her even as she makes questionable choices.
The show is notable for its strong female characters, with Becky and Amelia both embodying different aspects of womanhood and both grappling with the limitations of their gender and their society. The male characters are also complex and interesting, with relationships and power dynamics shifting and evolving throughout the series.
One of the standout aspects of the show is its humor, which ranges from subtle irony to laugh-out-loud moments. Becky in particular is quick-witted and sharp-tongued, and her interactions with other characters are often hilarious and cutting.
Overall, Vanity Fair is a rich and engrossing drama that offers a compelling look at a fascinating period in history through the eyes of a complex and unforgettable heroine. With an exceptional cast, beautiful production values, and a compelling story to tell, it is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and literature adaptations alike.