Bridgerton enthusiasts are accustomed to watching actress Claudia Jessie portray the quick-witted Eloise Bridgerton in the popular Netflix period drama. Yet, prior to her arrival on the Ton, the 36-year-old featured in another costume drama that viewers have been describing as 'perfect'. Claudia plays Amelia Sedley in ITV's Vanity Fair, a screen version of the celebrated 1847 novel, which broadcast in 2018.
Plot and Production
The seven-episode miniseries charts Becky Sharp, portrayed by House of the Dragon's Olivia Cooke, and her closest friend Amelia set against the Napoleonic Wars. It depicts the pair attempting to escape poverty and climb the social ladder of early 19th-century British high society, reports Wales Online. Production came from Mammoth Screen, collaborating with Amazon Studios, the same outfit responsible for programmes such as Poldark and Victoria. The ensemble also features performers including Johnny Flynn, Tom Bateman, Ellie Kendrick, Martin Clunes and Charlie Rowe.
Viewer Reactions
Following the programme's release, audiences have lavished praise upon the period drama, drawing comparisons to productions like Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and The Hardacres. Applauding the series on Reddit, one viewer remarked: "I loved this series! It's my favourite Vanity Fair adaptation. I think this is Olivia Cooke's best role to date." Discussing Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie, one viewer noted: "Took me a minute to recognise her without her bangs!" Another viewer gushed: "I loved this one too. I thought the casting and acting were perfect."
Another devoted fan chipped in: "This series introduced me to Johnny Flynn and Claudia Jessie! Love both of them." One viewer enthused: "My Favourite Version So Far! It's been great seeing this series doing something very different, how refreshing!! Claudia Jessie is a really good Amelia, and Olivia Cooke is equally good as Becky! How refreshing to see how Gwyneth Hughes has revitalised the series, a perfect classic to adapt for ITV - even though people think the BBC are better at this sort of thing! Clearly not here."
A further admirer declared: "Fantastic, Glitzy, cutting and in this day and age relevant. The casting is superior, as is the dialogue and costumes." While yet another enthusiast remarked: "Outstanding. Delightfully acted by the cast. In fact, casting overall is impressive, in fact quite special! and Olivia fills the role of Becky Sharp perfectly. There are some big names in this show, and I was (or am) really impressed by Claudia Jessie playing Amelia; she is quite exquisite."
Vanity Fair is available to watch on Prime Video.
