Unravelling the Beauty Queen of Jerusalem on Netflix: A Review
The recently released Israeli thriller, Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, on Netflix is a gripping adaptation of a novel by the same name. The story delves into the lives of the Sephardic Jewish community living in Jerusalem. With power-packed performances, intricate plotlines, and skillful direction, the series has garnered significant interest. But is it worth the hype? Let’s find out.
A Synopsis of the Storyline
The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem takes us through the history of one Sephardic Jewish family, the Abulafia family. The series is set in Palestine, which was under British rule back then. The story revolves around the struggles and dreams of the women of this family spanning generations. The lead character is Margalit (Malka), and the story follows her journey of life and love.
Margalit is the central character of the show, and we see her evolution from a naïve young girl to a mature woman of strength and resilience. Through her story, the series weaves together themes of love, betrayal, secrets, and reconciliation. Although the show deals with heavy themes, it is never dull. Each episode keeps the audience engaged with twists and turns that are both unexpected and satisfying.
The Aesthetic and Cinematography of the Show
One of the highlights of the Beauty Queen of Jerusalem series is its stunning visual appeal. The costumes and settings are authentic and capture the essence of that era. Director Dan Wolman’s brilliance is evident in his ability to transport us to that period and breathe life into the story. The cinematography is captivating, and the lighting adds a haunting effect to the story. The show’s score is hauntingly beautiful and not only supplements the visuals but is also integral to the story.
Themes Explored in the Series
The series deals with multiple themes, making it relevant even in contemporary times. The story explores the Sephardic Jewish community’s history and culture, and we see the characters struggling to keep their culture alive. The series also explores the theme of love in all its complexity. The portrayal of relationships between family members, friends, and lovers is realistic and well crafted. Betrayal, loss, and anguish also feature prominently in the show.
The Show’s Cast and Performances
The show boasts of an incredibly talented cast, and each actor delivers an exceptional performance. Teenage Margalit is played by Efrat Dor, and she brings out the character’s naïvety and innocence realistically. Her transformation into the more mature Margalit is a testament to her acting prowess. Michael Aloni plays her lover, Itzhak, and he brings out the character’s complexity beautifully. The supporting cast, comprising of veteran actors like Yigal Naor and Hila Saada, are brilliant and add to the richness of the show.
Final Verdict
The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem on Netflix is a show that has it all. It’s a well-crafted story with powerful performances, stunning visuals, and haunting music. The show’s themes are relatable, and the characters are well fleshed out and endearing. It’s no surprise it has managed to create a buzz and is considered one of the most popular shows of the year. In conclusion, it’s a must-watch series that’ll keep you hooked from the first episode to the very last.
