If you have been crying out for a new period drama ever since Bridgerton ended in March earlier this year, then stop those tears as Netflix is finally treating us to a brand new romantic period drama—My Brilliant Career.
Based on the 1901 novel of the same name by Miles Franklin, the new adaptation follows Sybylla Melvyn who is torn between her desire to have an independent career as a writer and the traditional staple life of a wife.
It lands on Netflix next week and this is everything you need to know about it.
What is My Brilliant Career about?
Set in the early 20th century in rural Australia, My Brilliant Career is a six-part drama that focuses on the life of Sybylla Melvyn.
She's a young-spirited woman who dreams of one day becoming a writer. But this is the early 1900s and things aren't exactly that simple. Instead, her family is hoping she'll marry a wealthy gentleman and have a safe and stable life, and also pull them out of the debt they've accrued over the years. It's really giving Jo March in Little Women energy.
But this is not to say she's shunning romance, in fact, she finds herself in quite the love triangle, with interest from both wealthy landowner Frank Hawdon and kindred spirit Harry Beecham.
The series debuts next week and has already received rave reviews from critics, with the Radio Times saying the series is "perilously close to brilliant".
My Brilliant Career was previously adapted in 1979 in a movie starring the late Sam Neill and Judy Davis, propelling their careers forward and Radio Times argues it could do the same for this new adaptation's cast.
Speaking of...
Who stars in My Brilliant Career?
Playing the fiercely independent series lead Sybylla Melvyn is Aussie actor Philippa Northeast, who rose to fame on Home and Away as Evelyn MacGuire.
Starring alongside Philippa as one of Sybylla's love interests Harry Beecham, is Christopher Chung, who you'll most likely recognize for starring in Apple TV's Slow Horses as Roddy Ho.
And completing the love triangle is Jake Dunn as Frank Hawdon. Jake has previously appeared in Renegade Nell and What It Feels Like for a Girl.
Here's who is also in the cast with them:
- Anna Chancellor as Mrs Bossier, Sybylla's grandmother
- Kate Mulvany as Augusta, Harry's aunt
- Genevieve O'Reilly as Helen
- Alexander England as Julian
- Sherry-Lee Watson as Nell
- Miah Madden as Betty
When can I watch My Brilliant Career?
All six episodes of My Brilliant Career will be available to stream on Netflix starting August 13.
To get a feel for the series, watch the trailer here:
My Brilliant Career is available on Netflix from August 13.
