'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us' Review: Damian Hardung and Harriet Herbig-Matten turn up the heat in Prime Video's rom-com

'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us' is based on Mona Kasten's novel 'Save Me'
PUBLISHED MAY 7, 2024
'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us' is an unlikely love story between two young students from different backgrounds (@primevideo)
'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us' is an unlikely love story between two young students from different backgrounds (@primevideo)

OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM: 'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us' is streaming on Prime Video from May 9, 2024, and it follows the story of Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) who is focused on her goal of getting into Oxford when she forms an unlikely relationship with James Beaufort (Damian Hardung), who belongs to an elite family and is the undeclared leader of the Maxton Hall school. 

The series has six episodes and is directed by Tarek Roehlinger and Martin Schreier. It features Harriet Herbig-Matten, Damian Hardung, Sonja Weißer, Ben Felipe, Runa Greiner, Martin Neuhaus, and Julia-Maria Köhler in important roles.

The makers have done an impeccable job of creating a world around Maxton Hall and while the story of a bad boy falling in love with a good girl is nothing new, it is the execution of the series along with subtextual messaging that makes this series a must-watch. Here is a detailed review of 'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us'.

Brilliant writing and great characterization elevate 'Maxton Hall - The World Between Us'

Harriet Herbig-Matten in a still from 'Maxton Hall - The World Between Us' (@primevideo)
Harriet Herbig-Matten in a still from 'Maxton Hall - The World Between Us' (@primevideo)

The series is based on Mona Kasten's book 'Save Me' and Daphne Ferraro who serves as the head writer for the series has done a great job of making the world of Maxton Hall look peppy and upbeat. 

The characters are sketched to perfection and every character has a differentiating quality that brings about the best in the storylines and elevates the situations. From the first meeting between Ruby and James to their finally being able to trust each other at the end of the series, the character arcs are drawn perfectly with the exposition bits smoothly flowing in and out in the series. 

The dialogues are funny and peppy and reek of youthfulness and exuberance. The pacing of this series is done very well and it benefits from being edited in a way that every episode adds a new layer to the character. 

Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung give stunning performances

Damian Hardung in a still from 'Maxton Hall- The World Between Us' (@primevideo)
Damian Hardung in a still from 'Maxton Hall- The World Between Us' (@primevideo)

Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung are the heart and soul of this series. They are perfectly cast in the role of Ruby and James and give a performance that will get them noticed as powerhouse performers. 

Harriet Herbig-Matten plays the studious girl very well and her body language communicates as much as her facial expressions in the series. Damian is charming as a bad boy particularly towards the end when he breaks that image and shows his vulnerability. 

Sonja Weißer, Justus Riesner, and Ben Felipe are excellent in their parts playing the ideal foil for the main characters. 

'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us' stands as upbeat and meaningful school-life drama

Harriet Herbig-Matten in a still from 'Maxton Hall-The World Between Us' (@primevideo)
Harriet Herbig-Matten in a still from 'Maxton Hall-The World Between Us' (@primevideo)

The makers of 'Maxton Hall - The World Between Us' are clear about what they want to convey through both Ruby and James. The character of Ruby needs to enjoy the journey a little more while she works for her aim and James needs to start living for himself and not for his family name. 

The makers convey it through a roller-coaster ride which has its emotions in the right place and continues to be watchable and entertaining throughout its course. 

'Maxton Hall - The World Between Us' trailer



 

'Maxton Hall - The World Between Us' releases on May 9, 2024

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