A 'hot' and 'steamy' period drama has been hailed by cinema fans for its 'beautiful cinematography', the undeniable chemistry between its leading actors, and the 'next level' performances delivered throughout.
Netflix's Latest Period Piece
Netflix subscribers hunting for their next period piece are spoilt for choice, with beloved TV series such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, The Crown and numerous others readily available. For film lovers, the 2019 Timothée Chalamet royal-court historical drama The King receives consistent acclaim, alongside Sofia Coppola's 2006 cult classic Marie Antoinette, and Greta Gerwig's star-studded 2019 take on Louisa May Alcott's cherished novel Little Women, among countless other offerings.
Lady Chatterley's Lover: A Steamy Adaptation
However, if you're on the hunt for passionate romance and 'steamy' scenes, one Netflix title might just hit the spot: the 2022 film version of DH Lawrence's contentious literary sensation, Lady Chatterley's Lover. The novel was initially published privately in 1928 and immediately sparked controversy for its frank depiction of female desire, sexual intimacy and liberal use of strong language. For many years, it remained prohibited in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, India and Japan.
The book has inspired many film and television adaptations over the decades. The 2022 production features Emma Corrin as the titular Lady Constance Chatterley and Jack O'Connell as Oliver, the working-class gamekeeper with whom Lady Chatterley begins an intense affair. It was directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, with the screenplay penned by David Magee. The majority of scenes were shot at the mansion and across the grounds of the Brynkinalt estate in Chirk, North Wales during early 2022. Lake Vyrnwy and Corris in mid Wales also served as locations for certain scenes.
Plot and Reception
The plot centres on Lady Chatterley, who embarks on an affair following her husband's return from the war paralysed, leaving him embittered and furious about his altered circumstances. The Chatterleys' marriage deteriorates into a loveless and tense arrangement, with Lady Chatterley grappling with her husband's domineering behaviour, volatile temper, and complete absence of physical or emotional connection.
The film has secured an impressive 87% rating on the widely-used review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes. One fan said: 'Excellent adaptation of the novel! Great performances, and beautiful cinematography'. Another agreed: 'Loved the romance and heartbreak!' A third said: 'Absolutely unreal film!! Acting is absolutely next level!!' While a fourth wrote: 'This is an incredibly beautiful version of the film. There is such chemistry between the two actors. I loved the raw passion between them. A very hot and steamy film'.
Someone else was keen to praise the lead actors: 'Corrin and O'Connell have great chemistry, bringing to life an otherwise traditional tale of forbidden love.' One enthusiastic viewer said: 'The best version of Lady Chatterley's Lover that I've seen. It not only captures the steamy passion of the illicit affair really well (credit to both leading actors for some very convincing sex scenes) but expertly puts it into the class-ridden social context of the period.' Another admitted they thought it 'was going to be like Downton Abbey' and got 'quite a shock' at the steamy scenes, adding: 'Can't believe I watched this with my nan. She loved it though.'
Meanwhile, one critic said: 'A terrific showcase for the increasingly impressive Corrin, this Bridgerton-meets-Downton should rightly prove to be a hit for Netflix.' Lady Chatterley's Lover is streaming now on Netflix.
