Adapting classic novels into acclaimed miniseries is a strong global priority for Netflix. like East of Aden Set to be one of the highlights of the fall, Poland presents this lush, modern retelling of Bolesław Prus’s classic. But does it rise to the same levels as the source novel?

As it is, The doll Provides a stunning reconstruction of Warsaw in 1878, where the events take place; No expense was spared to make the scenes of ballrooms and lushly decorated noble palaces as lively as possible. exit Paul Maslona He presents a sense of scale and quiet control over the excess of high society, in contrast to the poorer servants, some of whom are literally embodied figures in The doll. Some dramas may not have much to offer beyond their meticulous craft and romantic getaways; We are happy to report The doll It’s nothing like that, and it’s not just breathtaking time travel.

This is because The dollThe film’s main character, Isabella Lecca (played with steely resolve by… Sandra Dzimalskawas previously seen a few years ago in the series Having sex), with a personality and ambitions that are about to be defeated by her environment and unexpected circumstances. As she sees her friends and entourage being mistreated and belittled, even as professionals, she refuses to settle for marriage, prompting suitors to make plans for herself. Unfortunately, her father Thomasz (Jacek Brasiak) He bet a large sum of money on a shady business case while also being heavily in debt; When this fails, Count Łęcki is thrown into disarray, as are Isabella’s plans to escape to Paris and write about her travels for a local (proto) feminist magazine.

Black Volga

Their salvation (and/or undoing) comes in the form of ambitious businessman Stanisław Wokłski (Thomas Schuchardt), who returns to Warsaw with a controversial reputation and seems determined to make an impact and climb the social ladder. He soon set his sights on conquering Isabella; The lengths he tries to achieve are the basis for building dynamics The doll. But make no mistake: There’s nothing in this intentional, well-written adaptation that could be cut.

Black Volga

Just like its title character, The doll He is barely interested in romantic encounters and mostly relates to repressed feelings; If there is passion, it is usually only on one side and sometimes threatens to consume all. Isabella can play the bourgeois game as well as anyone, and she is the only one who rebukes her father with any competence; However, she is constantly undermined and belittled by her environment. Wokulski, on the other hand, is a very practical (some might say creepy) shadow in Tomasz’s affairs, but their eventual connection will bring more pain and disaster throughout the saga. exit Paul Maslona He doesn’t hesitate to break up the pace of some sequences with some dreamy, surreal montages when appropriate; But it does not allow them to control the show or resort to tricks. What unfolds is a slow unease and bitter commentary on the social traps and prisons some characters have built for themselves; The characters aren’t the most sympathetic you’ll encounter in a Netflix series, but none of them are written or played like the typical anti-hero. The doll It clearly shows the limits of the high society in which Isabella develops, and the possible future set for her, but it never detracts from demonstrating the raw intelligence and determination of the main character. As money comes and goes, and revelations disrupt Isabella and Stanisław’s dynamic, the saga gains its confidence through engaging sequences and mastery of tone. Immersive without being too complex, simplistic without talking down to the audience, The doll It meets and exceeds expectations of what a prestige Netflix drama should be.

He watches The doll If you like

Cheetah

The Great

Best player from The doll

Maria Cania as Mariana

Our “eyes” in Isabella’s world In the first few scenes, Mariana, the prostitute-turned-maid, with her knowing looks and respectful demeanor, is one of the most fleshed-out characters in the series, against all odds. during

Judgment

A lush and vividly charming story about the power struggle and the ups and downs of a young woman’s eventual emancipation in 19th-century Poland. The doll It easily positions itself as one of this year’s best European offerings for Netflix original series.