Netflix's period drama The Doll, based on Bolesław Prus's revered 1890 Polish novel, has captivated viewers with its romantic twists and turns, earning praise as "absolutely exquisite."
Set in 1870s Warsaw under the Russian Empire, the series follows the love affair of Stanisław Wokulski (Tomasz Schuchardt), a humble but successful merchant, and his toxic obsession with winning the hand of Izabela Łęcka (Sandra Drzymalska), a beautiful aristocrat.
Fans Praise Acting and Storytelling
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote: "Absolutely exquisite. A masterclass in acting. Simply wonderful to watch!" Another fan on IMDb called the series "fantastic."
One viewer, who noted they are not Polish, defended the series against criticism from Polish critics, saying: "This isn't about Poland; it's about human nature. What the film depicts is universal; the setting doesn't matter."
A Standout Miniseries
The same reviewer praised the production's quality: "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 its distinctive pacing: "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."
Advice to Ignore 'Book Snobs'
Another called it "captivating," telling people not to listen to the "book was better crowd." They argued: "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."
They added: "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.
