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The 4-part Netflix docudrama series, “Queen Cleopatra,” delves into the captivating life of Cleopatra, one of the most renowned female rulers in ancient history.
Set during a time when Julius Caesar held significant power in Rome, the series follows Cleopatra, a precocious member of the Ptolemy ruling family in Egypt.
As her family is torn apart by internal conflicts and power struggles, Cleopatra, at the age of seventeen, finds herself in a covert war against her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, whom she was supposed to share the throne with.
Determined to claim sole power, Cleopatra navigates a treacherous path while contending with her younger sister, Arsinoe, and her conniving aide.
Against this backdrop, Cleopatra enters into a relationship with Caesar to solidify her position, sparking intense opposition.
The series expertly weaves re-enactments with insights from scholars in various fields; Notably, the show has stirred controversy due to its interpretation of historical events.
A review?
“Queen Cleopatra,” took a unique approach by exploring the life of Cleopatra through a feminist lens.
While it incorporated some historical elements, the series also incorporated critical feminist ideology to provide a fresh perspective on Cleopatra’s story.
It is important to note that the portrayal of Cleopatra as a black woman has sparked controversy among some viewers who argue that historical evidence suggests she had a different ethnic background.
The series aimed to engage viewers with an in-depth exploration of Cleopatra’s life, albeit with a dramatic flair.
While some may find the series too focused on personal relationships and lacking historical accuracy, it still offered an intriguing exploration of Cleopatra’s character and the challenges she faced during her reign.
(Watching the series provided enlightenment about Cleopatra’s era, regardless of personal interest.
It offered insights into her remarkable life, the historical events, and the intricate power dynamics of the time.
(Which you might not really care about)
Overall, Watching the documentary was a challenging experience as it heavily relied on a feminist ideology that overshadowed the historical accuracy of the events, that was really evident.
The show tried to present itself as informative and factual, but the script’s inconsistencies and lack of attention to detail left a lot to be desired.
For instance, portraying a eunuch with a beard seems implausible and makes it hard for viewers to take the show seriously. Additionally, the pacing is painfully slow, making it feel like an unengaging educational film.
The presentation of the documentary gave the impression of a Sunday school narrative; slow and simplistic, lacking in the depth and complexity that you might expect from a historical docudrama.
While the actors gave their best efforts to bring the script to life, it’s evident that the material they worked with lacked depth and substance. It’s a shame that such talented performers were not given a better opportunity to showcase their skills.
The recent release of two documentaries on African Queens produced by Jada Pinkett Smith has generated significant criticism.
Many have questioned how and why Netflix accepted these documentaries despite their perceived inaccuracies.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for more “African Queens” stories from Jada Pinkett Smith in the future.
Is there a genuine necessity for additional “African Queens” stories?
If you possess a critical mind, intelligence, and a passion for historical narratives, you may be able to identify issues or shortcomings within this documentary.
Watched a film and you would like to send in your review?
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