Looking for your next period drama obsession? Netflix may just have the answer. The classic 19th-century novel, The Doll, by Polish author Bolesław Prus has been given a new lease of life thanks to the streaming giant – and viewers are hooked.
The new six-part series, which arrived on the platform last week, follows Stanislaw Wokulski, a wealthy Warsaw businessman determined to improve his social status, who becomes infatuated with Izabela Lecka, a prominent young aristocrat.
© BARTOSZ MROZOWSKIA fresh take on a classic work of Polish literature, The Doll promises to be a compelling tale of unrequited love, class and obsession. Intrigued? Keep reading to find out more.
What is The Doll about?
The story centres around the fiercely ambitious Stanisław (Tomasz Schuchardt), who is determined to climb the social ladder. His obsessive infatuation with the young aristocrat Izabela (Sandra Drzymalska) becomes a gateway to the world he longs to conquer.
© BARTOSZ MROZOWSKIThe synopsis continues: "Izabela, in turn, strives to break free from the rigid confines of aristocratic order and define her own place in a rapidly changing society. The powerful bond between them is suspended between a deep class divide, obsession, a longing for freedom and the seductive power of wealth."
What have viewers said about The Doll?
It's safe to say that viewers are loving the new series.
Taking to social media, one person wrote: "It is amazing! Love the atmosphere, the actors were superb, costumes amazing. The ending was great too! Totally loved it," while another added: "Only 2 episodes in so far but I'm hooked. The storyline is a bit slow at first but it gets intense quickly. Worth watching!"
© KRZYSZTOF WIKTORA third person hailed the series as "excellent," while another described it as "the best thing on Netflix,' adding: "Sure, they modernised the themes and the characters' motivations, definitely deviated from the 700 page source novel, but the acting and, to my mind, unique twist to the story made it compelling."
How to watch The Doll
All six episodes of The Doll are available to stream on Netflix now.
© BARTOSZ MROZOWSKIMore period dramas to stream on Netflix now
- My Brilliant Career – Based on Miles Franklin's 1901 coming-of-age novel, the series follows Sybylla, a headstrong young woman whose dreams of independence and creative freedom clash with societal expectations.
- The Empress – Adapted from the historical fiction novel about the Empress of Austria, Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, the series follows the titular royal, who after falling in love and eventually marrying her sister's intended fiancée, Emperor Franz Joseph, enters a world of politics at the Viennese court.
- The Leopard – Set in 1860s Sicily, this six-part adaptation of a classic Italian novel follows the aristocratic Prince of Salina as the unification of Italy puts the future of his family in jeopardy.
