The three-part British period drama 'Anne Boleyn' has viewers hooked with its charged storylines, stellar performances, and standout characters, making it a perfect watch for fans of acclaimed political period dramas like Wolf Hall, The Tudors, Versailles, and The Crown.
Psychological Thriller Set in Tudor England
Developed for Channel 5 and first premiering on television in June 2021, 'Anne Boleyn' is a psychological thriller period drama based on harrowing true events. Written by Eve Hedderwick and directed by Lynsey Miller, the mini-series has historian Dan Jones serving as the executive producer. The limited series spans the last five months of Anne Boleyn's life, who was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 and one of British history's most talked-about figures. She was executed for treason in 1536.
The official plot states: “The final months of Boleyn's life, her struggle with Tudor England's patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir.”
Stellar Cast and Filming Locations
'Anne Boleyn' stars Jodie Turner-Smith in the titular role. Her casting has left audiences divided, with many praising her stellar performance and on-screen presence, while some viewers have been disgruntled with the ‘rewriting of history’ in casting her as the former Queen of England. Turner-Smith is joined by Mark Stanley, Paapa Essiedu, Barry Ward, Amanda Burton, Lola Petticrew, Thalissa Teixeira, and Isabella Laughland. Principal photography took place in Yorkshire over six weeks, with filming locations including Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, Ripley Castle, St Michael's Church in Emley, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, Oakwell Hall in Birstall, and Harewood House in Harewood.
Audience and Critical Reception
The series has been widely praised. One audience review on Rotten Tomatoes said: “Jodie Turner-Smith is amazing in the title role Anne Boleyn. The entire cast does a great job, it's well directed, and it's very entertaining.” Another IMDB user review reads: “This is a wonderful period piece. I gave it 10 stars because it deserves a higher rating than it has, no doubt. I love art house movies and superior attention to detail in film. There was something about this portrayal of Anne Boleyn's story that felt so relatable in this current day. The series had my attention and sucked me in until the very end. I thought the production value was excellent. Jody Turner Smith is a legend and this is only the first role I have seen her play. She is absolutely stunning and I hope to see her in more parts like this. Pure talent. The cast was also excellent. I love this portrayal of Anne Boleyn, absolutely beautiful, ART.”
Another viewer said: “Riveting. So much has been written and acted about Anne Boleyn, one hardly knows the actual truth. Anne Boleyn as a politically astute woman was a new idea for me. Jodie Turner-Smith's acting made this series riveting and she portrayed Queen Anne with great dignity. I really got lost in the story, and was left wondering why we haven't seen much more of Jodie's brilliant acting.”
Critics have also been impressed. One review noted: “Anne Boleyn and Turner-Smith make the dusty, distant history feel immediate and pertinent once more.” Some reviewers were not as enthusiastic: “For the most part, we've been down this road so many times that Miller and her actors struggle to bring much that's fresh to the table.” However, another critic praised: “Jodi Turner-Smith is mesmerising in this three-part series.”
Where to Watch
All three episodes of 'Anne Boleyn' are available to buy on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
