Where do we even begin? The Bridgerton spin off- Queen Charlotte that aired on Netflix this weekend had us breathless, swooning and falling deeper into a sense of appreciation for: period pieces, the world of film, all things royal as well as majestic and … ourselves.
– Wait, what? How and why would this spin off cause the side effects of self love Gazzetea?
Okay, to some that claim may be a bit of a stretch but we believe this is another cinematic masterpiece created by Shonda Rhimes that features not only a tale of romance but also cinema that highlights the innate beauty within us all as an African diaspora. At Gazzetea we fail to see how you would not be, at least in part, emboldened by seeing a representation of yourself on a global platform without gaining a sense of self appreciation.
While more and more African films emerge on a worldwide stage, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, boasts a cast brimming with melanin and scenes that display the versatility of African “hair- itage.” We cannot wait for you to watch the series and see the display of afros and afro-centric hairstyles reimagined by Nic Collins.
Without giving too much away we can also confirm that the series is a fusion of fact and fantasy. The real life seventeen-year-old Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz did marry the English King George III in 1761, and more recently, a debate has been sparked about Queen Charlotte’s family background since some of her portraits are said to portray features that appear African. However, not all historians agree that Charlotte had Black ancestors.
In this captivating series, viewers are taken on a journey through time as they explore the lives of characters in both their youthful and more seasoned incarnations. The seamless transitions between past and present offer a unique window into the complex nature of several characters, providing valuable insights into their origins and motivations. This clever use of temporal shifts underscores the importance of introspection and the role it plays in shaping our lives.
All in all Gazzetea rates Netflix’s Queen Charlotte a ten out of ten– we absolutely recommend!
Are you all caught up? Have you watched all six episodes? How would you rate the series? Which character did you resonate with? What was your favourite look? Did anyone miss Lady Whistledown? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments, and share this article with Bridgerton fans. Don’t forget to let us know what you would like for us to review next.
By: Charlotte Makala
