Netflix is set to release My Brilliant Career, a period drama based on the 1901 novel of the same name by Miles Franklin, on August 13. The series has already been hailed as the best show of the year by critics.
Story and Setting
Set in rural Australia in the early 20th century, the series follows Sybylla Melvyn, a spirited young woman who dreams of becoming a writer. However, her family has other plans, hoping she will marry a wealthy man to help them out of debt.
Sybylla finds herself in a love triangle between wealthy landowner Frank Hawdon and kindred spirit Harry Beecham.
Cast and Adaptations
Philippa Northeast, known for her role in Home and Away, stars as Sybylla. Christopher Chung from Slow Horses plays Harry, and Jake Dunn plays Frank. The cast also includes Anna Chancellor, Kate Mulvany, Genevieve O'Reilly, Alexander England, Sherry-Lee Watson, and Miah Madden.
This is not the first adaptation of the novel; a 1979 film starred Sam Neill and Judy Davis.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised the series. Radio Times called it "perilously close to brilliant," noting, "As a love story, it wrong-foots; as a coming-of-ager, it delights; as a portrait of creative frustration, it works."
Another review described it as "the best series of the year" with a 5 out of 5 rating. A third reviewer said, "I adored this series... this series stands out because of the cast and Sybylla."
