Channel 4's period drama 'The Serpent Queen' has achieved a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences. The series, based on the life of one of history's most controversial women, has viewers describing it as 'mesmerising' and compelling them to binge-watch.
Plot and Cast
Created by Justin Haythe and inspired by Leonie Frieda's 2004 non-fiction work 'Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France', the dramatised biographical series stars Samantha Morton as Catherine de' Medici, the 16th century Queen of France. The cast also includes Liv Hill, Minnie Driver, Amrita Acharia, Barry Atsma, Ruby Bentall, Enzo Cilenti, Sennia Nanua, Kiruna Stamell, and Nicholas Burns.
Critical Acclaim
Morton's performance has drawn glowing reviews. Speaking to Vogue, she said: 'She’s almost vilified in history as this very dark figure, and she did do some very brutal things in her life. But I think that when men have made tough decisions throughout history, whether [as] the ruler of an army or a country, they’re often glorified. But when women did the same thing, they were called witches, or harridans, or whores of Babylon.'
One critic wrote: '[The Serpent Queen] distinguishes itself by rinsing away the cosmetics of royal etiquette and self-serious machination with bracing wit.' Another added: 'At the end of the day, this is Samantha Morton’s world, and we’re all just living in it. I, for one, am very okay with that.'
Viewer Reactions
Viewers have been equally captivated. One said: 'Phenomenal! Samantha Morten is mesmerizing to watch... The plots get thicker and it's crazy to watch how she gets out of dilemmas.' Another commented: 'Engaging from the start... Best show I've come across since Game of Thrones.'
'The Serpent Queen' premiered in September 202202 and ran for two seasons. It is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
