Shubhabrata Dutta
Historical period dramas are monuments of cinematic journey. They weave intricate narratives that are set against the backdrop of eras gone by. From the majestic courts of ancient empires to the tumultuous upheavals of modern revolutions, these films beckon viewers repeatedly. Keeping that in mind, we bring you the list of period movies available on Hulu.
11. Serena (2014)
Susanne Bier’s ‘Serena’ is adapted from Ron Rash’s eponymous novel. It is set during the Great Depression and centers on Serena Shaw, who gets married to timber baron George Pemberton in North Carolina. As days pass, Serena learns the trade and proves herself worthy of the business. Unfortunately, faces from George’s past resurface, affecting his relationship with Serena. On the other hand, George has a bad fallout with his business partner, Buchanan, whose consequence results in a tragedy that only fuels the complications. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as Serena and Bradley Cooper as George, ‘Serena’ is custom-made for fans of the stars, who pull off the otherwise passable period drama with strong chemistry. The film can be watched here.
10. The 24th (2020)
Set in the pre-war era (early 20th century), ‘The 24th’ is a heart-wrenching and compelling period drama that showcases a significant event in US history. Directed by Kevin Willmott, the film throws light on the Houston riot of 1917 and what led to it. On August 23, 1917, in Houston, Texas, more than 150 soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment (all-black) marched to Houston and opened fire, causing multiple deaths and more injuries. The film shows how it was the constant racism faced by the soldiers of the black community from the Houston Police Department (all-white) and other white people of the town that led them to commit such a crime. Was it justified? With compelling performances by Trai Byers, Mo McRae, Bashir Salahuddin, and Aja Naomi King, ‘The 24th’ is a clear reminder why any and all forms of racism need to be brought an end to immediately. You can watch the film here.
9. Medieval (2022)
This Czech historical drama takes us back to the 14th century and tells us the story of Czech General Jan Žižka, who lost not a single battle across his three crusades. He led the Hussite forces under Czech theologian/ philosopher Jan Hus, aka John Hus, aka John Huss. Directed by Petr Jákl, the film shows the politics and war Žižka faced from Henry III of Rosenberg and Sigismund of Luxembourg while trying to fulfill his objective that would lead to Wenceslas IV becoming the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The cast includes Ben Foster (as Jan Žižka), Til Schweiger, Matthew Goode, Sophie Lowe, Roland Møller, and Michael Caine. You can watch ‘Medieval’ here.
8. Harriet (2019)
Kasi Lemmons’ ‘Harriet’ tells the true story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who was responsible for freeing over 70 slaves between 1851 and 1862. The film showcases her escape from captivity and her subsequent actions, including those she performed as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an organized network of secret routes and safe houses used by runaway slaves since the 16th century, and at the Combahee River Raid of 1863. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, the film is a compelling re-telling of the life story of a significant figure who played a pivotal role in ending slavery in America. You can watch the film here.
7. Ferrari (2023)
Directed by Michael Mann, ‘Ferrari’ is a biographical drama adapted from the 1991 biography ‘Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine’ by acclaimed motorsport journalist Brock Yates. The film sheds light on the period in the life of Enzo Ferrari, the Italian founder of the sports car manufacturing company Ferrari, while his racing division prepares to participate in the 1957 Mille Miglia in Italy. This primary plot is underscored by his other crises, including his strained relationship with his wife, his illicit affair, and his imminent bankruptcy. Adam Driver stars as Enzo Ferrari, while Penélope Cruz plays Enzo’s wife, Laura Ferrari. The rest of the cast includes Shailene Woodley, Sarah Gadon, Patrick Dempsey, and Gabriel Leone. You can watch ‘Ferrari’ here.
6. See How They Run (2022)
‘See How They Run’ is set in 1950s London and explores the mysterious murder case of an American director who was about to direct a film adaptation of an Agatha Christie play. As Inspector George Stoppard and Constable Stalker look into the clues and speak to the suspects, the dark underbelly of the theater world reveals itself and along with it illegitimate relationships, lies, and deceit come to the surface. ‘See How They Run’ offers an entertaining mix of mystery and drama propelled by powerful performances. Directed by Tom George, the movie stars Sam Rockwell, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, and Ruth Wilson. You can watch it here.
5. Corsage (2022)
Set in the 19th century, this Marie Kreutzer directorial gives a fictionalized account of half of Empress Elisabeth of Austria’s (Vicky Krieps) life. The film begins with the celebration of her 40th birthday, an age that, as per her, is when a person begins to fade. She has already been restricted to an image of royalty (the film title being a metaphor for the constrictions that a corsage/corset brings). Still, her rightful vanity gets the better of her as she escapes to find her better self, one that isn’t bound, and tries to flirt with men and even goes back to her native place, among other stuff. Whether she can find peace is something you can find out by watching the film here.
4. Boston Strangler (2023)
Directed by Matt Ruskin, this film explores the case of the Boston Strangler, a phrase used to address the murderer or murderers of 13 women between 1962 and 1964 in Greater Boston. The truth behind the series of murders is looked into via the eyes of Boston Record American reporter Loretta McLaughlin, who was the first journalist to point a finger at the case and force the Boston police to investigate the deaths. Keira Knightley plays the role of Loretta McLaughlin. The rest of the cast includes Carrie Coon, David Dastmalchian, Morgan Spector and Alessandro Nivola. You can watch it here.
3. Origin (2023)
Ava DuVernay’s biographical drama ‘Origin’ is based on the life of journalist/author Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) and traces her journey as she writes the book ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents’ while grappling with a personal tragedy. The film also showcases her travels to Germany and India, contributing to her research. Blending grief with history, ‘Origin’ does a great job of giving shape to Wilkerson’s book in a compelling, emotional, and authentic manner. Jon Bernthal plays Brett Hamilton, Isabel’s husband. It received three awards from the African-American Film Critics Association and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Direction. You can watch ‘Origin’ here.
2. The Promised Land (2023)
This Danish-German-Swedish co-production is based on the 2020 book ‘The Captain and Ann Barbara’ by Ida Jessen. Set in 18th-century Denmark, the film deals with a conflict of parcel, i.e., a plot of land, the very fabric of civilization as we know it. On the one hand, we have the hateful and merciless magistrate Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), who wants to monetize the moorland and doesn’t intend to share it with anyone, much less sell it. On the other hand, we have retired German Army officer Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), who wants to tame the moorland and establish a colony that will gain him a noble title. This difference results in multiple confrontations between the two men, and it is only a matter of time before one of them falls. Can Kahlen take a stand against the powerful Schinkel? ‘The Promised Land’ received high praise from both audiences and critics after its release. It went on to win numerous awards at the European Film Awards and Bodil Film Awards. It also competed for the Golden Lion at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival and was the Danish entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards. You can watch it here.
1. Lee (2023)
Kate Winslet stars as World War II journalist Lee Miller in Ellen Kuras’ ‘Lee.’ Miller took on the role of a war correspondent for Vogue after gaining popularity as a fashion model, a striking switch. The film depicts the horrific times from Lee’s POV as she tries to cover various “angles” of the war, be it the Normandy landings or the Blitz. A rare depiction of the war, one underscored by professional non-emotionalism, makes ‘Lee’ a must-watch drama showcasing how the war blurred the line between the living and the dead. Winslet’s performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. You can watch the film here.
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