'Transatlantic’ Review: Netflix's historic drama is a glossy attempt toward Realism
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Set during the time of World War II, 'Transatlantic' has brought the real story of Varian Fry. It is a period drama based on an American journalist with his supporters and the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC), who assisted thousands of refugees to flee Nazi-occupied France. The show is based on the book 'The Flight Portfolio' by Julie Orringer.
The series stars Gillian Jacobs, ‘Gotham’ star Cory Michael Smith, and many others. The limited series on Netflix is co-created by Anna Winger, known for 'Unorthodox', and Daniel Hendler. The seven-episode series offers a bittersweet view of the classic Hollywood vibe and evokes historic romance. The plot develops the theme of fighting a secret battle against the Nazis. As the story continues, we get to know there are more elements in the period drama apart from realism.
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The show tells the tale of Varian Fry, a journalist who helped successfully smuggle 2,000 of Europe’s foremost artists, thinkers, and academics to safety in America through the risky ports of Marseille in 1940. But he is not the main character, it's Chicago heiress Mary Jayne Gold, who funds the operation. During her attempts to rescue people, Gold finds Albert, a Jewish man trying to escape with his sister. While Fry reconciles with Thomas, his lost love.
The two men join the Americans on their mission but have their own agendas. More people like Lisa, Paul, and his brother enter the team. The team shifted to Villa Air-Bel, a safe house with the refugees when their operation fell victim to the German police. With all the difficulties, lies, and betrayals, Fry shows an act of heroism when he manages to get hundreds of people on a ship that leaves for the States.
A complex attempt toward history
'Transatlantic' finds itself with little room to flesh out all the characters background stories, making it a complex historical tale. The plot and tones are hurriedly combined, leaving the whole thing feeling incomplete. The story is meant to focus on Fry and his mission, which dilutes other characters by giving them more screen time than the important ones. It's entertaining to watch Mary Jayne dazzle unwitting targets with her elegant appearance. But her storyline, romance, and lies sideline the main motive of the show.
The romance plot of Fry, Gold, and Paul feels unnecessary as it tends to ignore the Jews and their issues. Also, the series failed to give any background knowledge about Fry taking over this mission. It rather lacked the stories backing up the characters, which was an important element in the show.
Overall, 'Transatlantic’ is an interesting show that tends to lack a few things. If you are a history buff, then give it a try and form your own opinions.
‘Transatlantic’ is streaming now on Netflix.