Decoding the Netflix Phenomenon of 'Bridgerton'
Based on a series of best-seller novels by writer Julia Quinn, Shonda Rhimes' drama Bridgerton is a story about London aristocracy and society in the early 19th century, but with a contemporary perspective and breath. Released in December 2020, this drama quickly received the passionate love of many Netflix viewers, with more than 63 million views, along with countless articles dissecting every detail of the show. What makes director Chris Van Dusen's brainchild so attractive? L'OFFICIEL has the answer.
The Love Story is Not Like a Fairy Tale
The story of the show revolves around the "pretend" relationship between the two main characters: Daphane Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), a beautiful young girl who dreams of a perfect fiancé; and carefree handsome aristocrat Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). But this is not a classic love story. It has a new spirit that breaks all the norms and captivates the audience with the various scandals that circulate through the young men and women of high society.
The story may have fairy tale elements, like the narration of actress Julie Andrews as the anonymous gossip writer Whistledown, but her words help complicate the plot, full of complex relationships. Besides the formal language of the past, there are modern everyday elements such as dating, controversy, and rumors. Although set in the 19th century, viewers can still relate to its story.
The Cast is Diverse
Viewers should know in advace that Bridgerton is a fictionalized version of the Regency Period in London, not a historical account. The cast includes characters of diverse backgrounds and doesn't follow the pattern of beauty often seen in movies or shows set in this period.
Bridgerton has a rich cast that features a number of newer faces like Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Golda Rosheuvel, Nicola Coughlan, and Ruby Barker. The inclusive casting was a deliberate choice by executive producer Rhimes, who wanted the show to defy stereotypes about race, a message that is relevant for today.
The Music is Strangely Familiar
The soundtrack is also a hot topic of discussion with viewers, because no matter how out of tune you are, you will recognize a few familiar melodies resounding from a classical quartet. The melodic covers of current pop songs are catchy enough to become independet hits. Contemporary tracks covered in the show include "Thank U, Next" by Ariana Grande, Maroon 5's "Girls Like You," Shawn Mendes' "In My Blood," Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy," Sufjan Stevens' "Love Yourself," and Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams."
It's Caused a Fashion Fever
Bridgerton's costumes do not completely imitate the original style of the 1813s in London. While the silhouettes remain true to the period, the color palette chosen by costume designer Ellen Mirojnick are inspired by the 1950s and 1960s. All season, the audience admires a total of 7,500 meticulously designed outfits, with many hidden meanings behind seemingly very small details. The designer shared her ambition to recreate costumes of the early 19th century in England, while making them more attractive and interesting to evoke viewers' imagination.
Immediately after the drama released on Netflix, the number of people searching for keywords related to British aristocratic costumes increased more than 100 percent. The Spring/Summer 2021 collections of famous fashion houses like Moschino, Erdem, Patou, Fendi, and Miu Miu also reference the clothes of the show. Bridgerton can be considered a unique fashion phenomenon that connects history to the present.
