Netflix has dropped the trailer for a new period drama adaptation of the classic 1901 Australian novel My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin. The six-part series, which arrives next month, follows a young woman's ambition to break free from society's constraints and become a writer.
Cast and Premise
The streaming platform's description reads: “Philippa Northeast stars as Sybylla, a fiercely modern young woman with one burning ambition: to be a writer, even as her family pushes her toward marriage.” The synopsis adds: “In this new series adaptation of the classic Australian novel, Sybylla breaks every convention of 1900 Australia as she chases a story that could write her way to independence, until she falls in love. Will she marry, or risk it all for a creative life?”
Philippa Northeast, known for The Newsreader, leads as Sybylla. Christopher Chung from Slow Horses plays Harry, Genevieve O'Reilly from Andor portrays Helen, and Anna Chancellor from Pride and Prejudice appears as Mrs Bossier. Other cast members include Kate Mulvany, Jake Dunn, Sherry-Lee Watson, Miah Madden, Ella Oliphant, and Molly Lewis.
Fan Reactions and Comparisons
After the trailer landed on YouTube, viewers compared the show to Netflix's Regency hit Bridgerton. One person posted: “Eloise Bridgerton in a not-so-alternate universe.” Another wrote: “Looks great. Loved the 1979 adaptation and not gonna miss this one.” A third commented: “Looks incredible! Phenomenal trailer,” while another said: “This looks really fun!” Yet another noted: “I read the book years ago, and it was fabulous. I can’t wait to see this movie. Thank you, Netflix, for making a high-quality film like this one!!!!!”
Tone and Previous Adaptation
The new adaptation has a tongue-in-cheek tone similar to The Favourite and The Great, setting it apart from the 1979 version starring Sam Neill and Judy Davis. Neill recently died from pneumonia in hospital aged 78, prompting tributes from fans. One fan said: “I'm feeling very drawn to rewatching some Sam Neill films rip [sic].” A second added: “I loved the original version with Sam Neill and Judy Davis.” Someone else wrote: “Love the original can't hold a candle to Sam Neil and Judy Davis brilliant.”
Release Date
My Brilliant Career will be released on Netflix on August 13.
