Forensics teacher Melissa Beaulieu recently watched “Bridgerton.”
The “Bridgerton” Netflix series is adapted from the bestselling novel series by Julia Quinn. Set in the Regency Era of the early 1800s, this romance drama is narrated by an anonymous news writer who spreads gossip about match-making amongst the aristocrats of London, with the Bridgerton family as the main focus. The story depicts persisting societal issues such as gender norms and oppression by stereotypes.
“Bridgerton” stars Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Jonathan Bailey. It is created by Chris Van Dusen with executive producer Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”
What did you enjoy about this film/series?
“I loved the costumes, I love the subject matter, and I love the aspect of the hierarchy of the class system,” Beaulieu said.
What motivated you to watch this film/series?
“I love period pieces—anything that looks like it’s going to be set in Europe in the 1700s to late-1700s—I’m very into it,” Beaulieu said.
The music is different because it is modern music played classically.”
— Melissa Beaulieu
What was the most memorable part of the film/series?
“It was a part of the ‘Bridgerton’ series, the little side spinoff that was about the relationship between King George and Charlotte,” Beaulieu said. “When they met as teenagers and grew up, the most memorable part was actually seeing the deterioration of George’s mental state. I thought that was very cool the way they showed it because that was historically supported.”
How is this film series different from others that you have watched?
“One thing was the music,” Beaulieu said. “The music is different because it is modern music played classically. So it’s a lot of tunes that you would recognize that would be on the radio right now but they play it as classical music…They would dance, they would do waltzes and things to Billie Eilish songs and you’d be like, ‘Wait a minute, I know that song.”
What other films are similar to this one would you recommend?
“‘Pride and Prejudice’ for sure, that’s one of my favorite[s]. I love the Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen version,” Beaulieu said. “It’s another period piece. Of course it’s Jane Austen, so it’s romance and it’s the old English way of speaking and all of the costumes and the outfits and the chivalry… it’s wonderful.”
A third season is announced to be released in May and June of 2024. “Bridgerton” can be streamed on Netflix.