Most recently, “House of the Dragon” star Olivia Cooke led one of Prime Video’s buzziest releases as of late: the psychological thriller “The Girlfriend,” opposite Robin Wright and Laurie Davidson. But nearly a decade ago, the British actress was at the helm of another miniseries for Amazon’s streaming service: the historical drama “Vanity Fair,” based on the 1848 novel of the same name by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Though the seven-part series was received well by critics, at the time of its release back in 2018, it was overshadowed by an absolute ratings juggernaut: the political thriller “Bodyguard,” which was airing at the same time. If you did miss it the first time around, “Vanity Fair” is a fresh and spirited adaptation of Thackeray’s classic novel, with a modern feel that will appeal to fans of period-piece dramas like “Bridgerton,” “Mary & George” and “The Great.” (Speaking of “Bridgerton,” you’ll find one of that show’s fan-favorite stars among the “VF” cast.)
What is ‘Vanity Fair’ about?
Olivia Cooke plays Rebecca “Becky” Sharp, an impoverished but ambitious young woman doggedly trying to climb the ranks of English society during the Napoleonic Wars, using her beauty, wit and charm to fascinate and seduce upper-class men with little regard for the consequences.
Becky’s story of “villainy, crime, merriment, lovemaking, jilting, laughing, cheating, fighting, and dancing” eventually takes the scheming social climber all the way to the court of King George IV himself.
Along with Cooke’s Sharp, the “Vanity Fair” cast includes “Bridgerton” star Claudia Jessie, “Based on a True Story” actor Tom Bateman, “Emma” heartthrob Johnny Flynn, “Fleabag” great Sian Clifford, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fave Anthony Head and “Doc Martin” lead Martin Clunes, among others.
Why should you stream ‘Vanity Fair’ on Prime Video?
A favorite for its arch wit and biting social commentary, Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair” has been adapted for the screen numerous times over the decades, but the Prime Video miniseries stands out for its lively spirit, gorgeous production values and actress Olivia Cooke’s lead performance as one of the great anti-heroines in English literature.
“Olivia Cooke’s brilliant portrayal of the feisty and scheming Becky Sharp in ‘Vanity Fair’ makes this adaptation of Thackeray’s classic novel more relatable for a 21st-century audience,” praises the critical consensus over on Rotten Tomatoes, where the period drama boasts a solid 89% approval rating.
In fact, Ben Dowell of the Radio Times praised Cooke’s Becky as the best of an illustrious bunch: “Of all the TV Beckys down the ages – Joyce Redman, Susan Hampshire, Eve Matheson, Natasha Little, not to mention Reese Witherspoon in the 2004 film – Cooke is definitely one of the best we’ve ever had.”
Scheming debutantes, charming cads, elaborate bonnets, bustling ballrooms, juicy romantic drama — “Vanity Fair” will entertainingly keep you distracted until those Bridgertons are back on your screens again.
Watch “Vanity Fair” on Prime Video
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