What Is the Story About?
A modern take on the British royal drama, Blood, Sex & Royalty offers a window into the lives of history’s some of the deadliest, and most iconic monarchs. The docu-drama series most importantly covers the story of Anne Boleyn, now an indispensable figure in the British History, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, who also was a powerful agent of change but was ruthlessly eliminated from the picture by the same royalty she was once a part of.
Performances?
Amy James-Kelly is the heart and soul of the docu-drama series. She puts life into Anne Boleyn’s iconic shoes with all her might. She is funny, outspoken, stubborn and intelligent. She has quite the charm and whenever she breaks the fourth-wall, you just seem to want more of that from her.
Analysis
Blood, Sex & Royalty comes at the right time where inquisitiveness around British Monarchy is at an all time high. While the show could be categorised vaguely as yet another on screen adaptation of Henry-Anne Boleyn’s doomed love-affair, Blood, Sex & Royalty stands out specifically in the way it tries to fuse a piece of history with modern sensibilities.
Described as a docu-drama, Blood Sex & Royalty is a reenactment of Henry and Anne Boleyn’s royal and doomed love affair, alongside historians and subject experts giving their perspectives on the events that unfurled in British history, their aftermaths and legacy.
We are introduced to a young, chirpy, bookish and bold Anne Boleyn (played to perfection by Amy James-Kelly), a brief look at her family, her ambitious father, equally revolutionary minded younger brother and elder sister who is one of the many mistresses of King Francis. We are quickly informed how Anne is this ambitious and vivacious woman who wants to do more, adapt and execute her knowledge and be an agent of change in her country. This is followed by a detailed, yet crisp look at Anne’s love affair with King Henry, her journey and rise to royalty and ultimately her fall.
Random fourth-wall breaks, techno and rap music crossovers and historical insights from subject experts ideally would stick out like a sore-thumb considering the gravity of the subject matter being handled. But Blood, Sex & Royalty succeeds at places because of an interplay of all these bizzare additions. To cut it short, the series wins in the narration and screenplay department. It’s refreshing, it’s entertaining and it’s sometimes equally weird.
Blood, Sex & Royalty acts as a brief history lesson wrapped in a tinge of fleabag-esque humour for the current generation. Moreover, it’s brief. Though not as much as its predecessors, Blood, Sex & Royalty also takes on a brief dissection of the curse called royalty. Hardly over the course of 3 episodes with around 45 minutes each, the series covers all pivotal points pertaining to Anne Boleyn’s life, conspiracies against her, her demise and finally..her legacy. And a towering performance from Amy James Kelly, only makes things smoother.
One of the major issues bugging Blood, Sex &Royalty could be a less impactful supporting cast. Except Anne Boleyn, none of the characters have a three dimensional existence. They just appear and disappear to keep up with the flow. For the ones who are well aware of British History, the show might feel like a desperate attempt to be cheeky by diluting tensions and seriousness.
The frequent fourth-wall breaks, reenactments and documentary style making might also not be everyone’s cup of tea. Not to forget, a divisive sound-track placement that could go terribly wrong with a huge chunk of audience. Nevertheless, If you’re out of options, Blood, Sex & Royalty makes for a silly watch on a dry weekend, for it has its moments.
Other Artists?
Max Parker as King Henry doesn’t deliver the way he should have. Although he makes quite an eye-candy, his face-off scenes with Amy James-Kelly are quite superficial. She delivers, while he simply doesn’t. Jhon Lumsden gives an adorable performance as George Boleyn. His combination scenes with Amy James are lovely to watch. Nikhita Lesler is also quite a natural as Lady Worcester. None of the other actors make quite an impression.
Music and Other Departments?
The soundtrack of Blood, Sex & Royalty stands at a divider of subjective reception. For some, it could come across as incongruous ear-bleed. While for some, it could be unusual, out of place yet experimental. The cinematography of Blood,Sex & Royalty is nothing exceptional either.
Highlights?
Duration
Amy James-Kelly
Drawbacks?
Weak Supporting characters
Divisive Music
Docu-Drama Making
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes. In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes. But with Reservations
Blood Sex & Royalty Series Review by Binged Bureau
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