Netflix's period drama The Doll, based on Bolesław Prus's 1890 Polish novel, has become a hit with viewers, who have praised its romantic storyline and performances. Set in 1870s Warsaw under the Russian Empire, the series follows merchant Stanisław Wokulski, played by Tomasz Schuchardt, and his obsession with winning the affections of aristocrat Izabela Łęcka, played by Sandra Drzymalska.
Viewers Call It 'Exquisite' and 'Fantastic'
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote: "Absolutely exquisite. A masterclass in acting. Simply wonderful to watch!" Another enthusiast on IMDb described the series as "fantastic," adding: "First of all: I'm not Polish. That's probably why I can't make heads or tails of the angry, disgusted-sounding reviews from Polish critics."
They continued: "This isn't about Poland; it's about human nature. What the film depicts is universal; the setting doesn't matter."
Fans Advise Ignoring the 'Book Snobs'
Another viewer praised the production's quality, stating: "This miniseries is top-notch in every respect: screenplay, music, cast, acting, production design, cinematography, editing—everything easily holds its own against productions from Hollywood, the UK, France, or anywhere else."
They highlighted the show's restrained style: "The balance between understated acting and drama is what makes this miniseries special. Hits like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey, etc., are constantly brimming with emotion. This production, on the other hand, repeatedly seeks out moments of calm and slowness. Above all, lead actress Sandra Drzymalska captivates with her range from complete serenity to intense emotionality."
Another described it as "captivating," urging people not to listen to the "book was better crowd." They said: "I have never belonged to the 'the book was better' crowd. I have read plenty of books in my life and watched countless films and TV shows, and I simply do not think comparing a book to its adaptation is the right way to judge either medium."
Why the Adaptation Stands Alone
The same viewer argued: "People often feel the need to make these comparisons almost as a way of showing off that they've read the book. But books and film tell stories in completely different ways. A book might take two pages to describe a landscape, while a movie or TV show can convey the same thing in a single second."
They concluded: "The TV show is genuinely great. It's a shame that some book snobs are judging it through the lens of their own ego rather than appreciating it for what it is. Watch it. It's captivating."
The Doll is streaming now on Netflix.
