Blood, Sex & Royalty © Netflix
Blood, Sex & Royalty, the Netflix docuseries released in 2022, attempts to blend historical drama with modern sensibilities, telling the infamous and dramatic story of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, and the courtly intrigues that surrounded them. It’s marketed as a “docudrama,” and while it covers a widely known historical period, the series stands out for its unconventional approach to retelling history, mixing documentary-style narration with stylized reenactments. The title itself is a bold proclamation of the series' focus: a deep dive into the scandals, power struggles, and, as the name suggests, the sensual and salacious details of one of the most captivating periods in British history.
Bold Approach to History
One of the first things viewers will notice about Blood, Sex & Royalty is its modern flair. Rather than a traditional, scholarly documentary or even a dry historical reenactment, the series uses contemporary language, music, and dialogue to make the story feel accessible to a 21st-century audience. Characters speak in informal, colloquial English, which is a striking departure from the "period" speech that typically characterizes this genre. The goal is clear: to make history feel immediate and relatable, especially for a younger audience who might be drawn to the series for its bold title and its promise of intrigue. This stylistic choice is certainly a double-edged sword. On one hand, it injects a sense of vitality and energy into historical events that might otherwise seem distant or academic. Anne Boleyn, played by Amy James-Kelly, comes across as a savvy, determined, and often wryly humorous figure who feels fully fleshed out in her ambition and cunning. The use of modern language and storytelling techniques gives her character a voice that’s distinctly contemporary. Her flirtation with Henry VIII, played by Max Parker, becomes not just a power move in a courtly chess game but something closer to a modern love affair, filled with complex emotions, manipulation, and desire.
However, this modern approach also risks oversimplification. The Tudor court was a world of labyrinthine politics, religious upheavals, and brutal power plays, and some of this nuance is lost in the show’s determination to entertain rather than educate. The colloquial dialogue, while refreshing in its accessibility, occasionally feels jarring or anachronistic, and the heavy focus on the sex and romance of the era can overshadow some of the more important political and historical dynamics. For example, Anne Boleyn’s Protestant sympathies and the massive religious reformation that reshaped England are sometimes pushed to the background in favour of highlighting her sexuality and romantic entanglements with Henry.
The Role of Documentary Elements
Unlike pure historical dramas, Blood, Sex & Royalty intersperses its reenactments with interviews from historians and experts, adding a layer of commentary that attempts to provide context for the events being portrayed. While these interviews lend credibility to the series, their integration into the overall narrative is somewhat uneven. The expert commentary can feel like it’s interrupting the flow of the story, making it hard to maintain the immersion that the dramatizations aim to create. This is a common problem in docudramas, where balancing the demands of narrative and analysis often leads to a disjointed viewing experience. At times, it feels as though Blood, Sex & Royalty is trying to be two different shows at once: a fast-paced, sensational drama and a serious historical documentary. The two modes don’t always mesh seamlessly, which can be frustrating for viewers looking for either pure entertainment or pure historical insight.
Characters and Performances
One of the strongest aspects of Blood, Sex & Royalty is its portrayal of Anne Boleyn. Amy James-Kelly delivers a compelling performance, capturing Anne's wit, ambition, and vulnerability. She portrays Anne as a woman ahead of her time, acutely aware of her precarious position in a male-dominated society but determined to carve out her own destiny. The series emphasizes her intelligence and political acumen, framing her not as a mere victim of Henry’s desires but as a key player in the tumultuous events that led to the English Reformation and her own tragic downfall.
Max Parker’s Henry VIII is similarly well-rounded, though he leans heavily into the more petulant and emotionally volatile aspects of the king's personality. Henry is portrayed as capricious and self-absorbed, a man driven as much by his ego and insecurities as by genuine affection or political ambition. His obsession with producing a male heir, which drives much of the conflict between him and Anne, is portrayed with a mix of desperation and entitlement, capturing the king’s internal conflict as both a man and a monarch. Supporting characters, such as King Henry's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and his advisor Thomas Cromwell, play critical roles but don't always receive the depth of focus they might in a more traditional historical drama. The decision to hone in so closely on Anne and Henry's personal relationship means that some of the wider political ramifications and other courtly figures are sometimes sidelined, leaving a more two-dimensional view of the period.
Visuals and Production Design
The production design of Blood, Sex & Royalty is another highlight. The series doesn’t have the lavish budget of other Tudor-based dramas like The Tudors or Wolf Hall, but it makes the most of what it has. The costumes are suitably regal, if not always historically accurate, and the sets give a sense of the opulence and danger of the Tudor court. The use of vibrant, contemporary music, while unconventional, adds to the show's modern aesthetic, making the period feel more dynamic and immediate. The visual tone of the show is sleek and glossy, with bright colours and cinematic lighting that make the series visually appealing, even if it occasionally sacrifices historical authenticity for style. There are moments where the mood lighting and dramatic close-ups evoke the feel of a soap opera, especially during the more intimate or confrontational scenes between Anne and Henry.
. . .
Blood, Sex & Royalty is a bold attempt to breathe new life into one of the most famous stories in British history. Its modern take on the Tudor court, complete with colloquial language, sleek visuals, and an emphasis on sex and scandal, makes for an entertaining and accessible viewing experience. However, for those looking for a more nuanced or historically faithful portrayal of Anne Boleyn's rise and fall, the series may leave something to be desired. It sacrifices some depth and historical complexity in favour of dramatic flair, making it more of a guilty pleasure than a serious historical exploration.
Ultimately, Blood, Sex & Royalty succeeds in making history feel alive and relevant to a modern audience, even if it sometimes trades accuracy for accessibility. It’s an engaging watch, particularly for viewers new to the period, but seasoned history buffs may find themselves wishing for a more nuanced approach to the rich and intricate story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.
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