Mary & George hit Sky Atlantic in the UK on 5 March 2024 and is scheduled for release on Starz on 5 April in the USA.
The show follows an affair between James VI and I (Tony Curran) and George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (Nicholas Galitzine).
Sexuality & Power
In episode one, The Second Son, we are introduced to George who lives at home with his mother, siblings and abusive father. He attempts suicide after Mary (played by Juliane Moore) begins to plan a marriage for him, as he is in love with servant, Jenny. Mary and her husband fight. He falls down the stairs and dies. Mary quickly remarries to Sir Thomas Compton and George is sent to France for further education in French, class, and court politics. However, he soon indulges in his same-sex desires and, when he returns to England, catches the attention of King James.
His mother views being close to the king as a path to security, so she encourages George to pursue him. However, it proves to be a difficult feat, with former lovers, other aristocrats, and boiling tensions with Spain threatening their rise.
Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue, Bottoms) is brilliant as George. His chemistry with Tony Curran is strong and tender, and he perfectly encapsulates the character’s change from retaliative, insecure mummy’s boy to corrupt, power-hungry warmonger.
“If I were a man, and I looked like you, I’d rule the f-cking planet”
Moore is also delightful, spitting profanities and vowing to get what she wants. Mary also has her own tragic same-sex relationship with prostitute Sandie (Niamh Algar) and the two’s chemistry as just as strong as that between George and the King. Mary is a complex character who is always close to falling into villainous territory. Her actions can be understandable, but she can also be incredibly cruel and manipulative even to those she claims to care about.
Passionate queer stories
The screenwriting can be muddled at times with too many plot threads spinning around, and some of the dialogue doesn’t feel believable in 1600s Britain, but the cinematography, performances, and passionate queer stories help the show shine, as well as a synthy score. Many will compare it to Lanthimos’ The Favourite and rightfully so. It’s as stylistically rich and passionately queer as that film.
There are plenty of intimate scenes as the cast and crew have promised and hyped up in many an interview or trailer – those planning to watch with family members may wish to think twice before hitting the play button.
Mary & George is available to stream on SKY now.
Featured Image Credit: Sky