A critically acclaimed period drama, hailed as a 'masterpiece', has been quietly added to BBC iPlayer. The Count of Monte Cristo, a 2024 film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel, is now available for free streaming, split into four parts.
Plot and Cast
The film stars Pierre Niney as Edmond Dantes, a young sailor falsely imprisoned for treason on his wedding day. After escaping from the fortress where he was held for over a decade, he reinvents himself as a wealthy count and seeks revenge on those who betrayed him. The synopsis describes it as 'an epic drama of betrayal, love and vengeance'.
Critical Acclaim
The film has received widespread praise from viewers. One fan described it as an 'excellent adaptation from the beautiful novel', while another called it 'absolutely terrific'. Many have branded it a 'masterpiece', with one viewer stating, 'I truly loved this movie... easily one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.' Another review titled 'Absolutely stunning' added, 'A dream come true for Monte Cristo fans.' One viewer advised, 'Go out of your way to see this one,' and another called it 'unmissable', adding, 'I was absolutely captivated from start to finish.'
Behind the Scenes
Despite the film's success, French actor Pierre Niney admitted he was initially pessimistic about the project. He told Forbes, 'I remember thinking it’s not going to be made, they’re not going to find the money. It would take people crazy enough to embark on a 1200-page book to make one movie. So I was pessimistic at the start, thinking it was too good to be true. And actually it’s even better than what I had imagined, so it will stay engraved in my memory forever.'
The Count of Monte Cristo is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
