Elle Fanning and the Art of the Historical Anti-Biopic
Elle Fanning has established herself as one of the most versatile stars of her generation, effortlessly moving from indie dramas to visually bold genre films. Yet, for TV fans and comedy connoisseurs, it’s her dazzling performance in ‘The Great’ that demands attention—and repeated viewings. This three-part Hulu original, subtitled ‘An Occasionally True Story’, transforms the notorious saga of Catherine the Great into a riotous, darkly comic fever dream.
The Premise: Irreverence Meets Royalty
Rather than serving as a conventional biopic, ‘The Great’ plays gleefully fast and loose with Russian history. It follows Fanning’s Catherine through her tumultuous marriage to Emperor Peter III, portrayed with manic brilliance by Nicholas Hoult. The actual facts—Catherine’s coup d’état, her 34-year reign as Russia’s longest-serving female monarch—provide a mere scaffold. The show instead prioritizes satire, anachronism, and biting wit, creating a tone that dances between absurdity and razor-sharp social commentary.
Elle Fanning: A Star-Blazing Lead
Fanning’s Catherine is equal parts naive revolutionary and cunning survivor. What truly sets her apart? Her ability to convey both vulnerability and ambition, shifting seamlessly between slapstick and gravitas. Opposite Hoult’s chaotically dangerous Peter, the comedic alchemy is undeniable—a dynamic that earned both leads Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series.
Why ‘The Great’ Stands Out in Modern TV Comedy
From its debut, ‘The Great’ garnered critical acclaim and audience devotion. By its second and third seasons, it achieved a rare perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, proof of its audacious storytelling and daring tone. The show finds its roots in the sardonic humor of screenwriter Tony McNamara, whose previous work, ‘The Favourite’, set the template for period comedy with an edge. However, ‘The Great’ amplifies the irreverence, swapping tragic undertones for full-throttle farce, even as it slices deep into themes of power, loyalty, and control.
Unpredictable, Rewatchable, Unapologetically Fun
The genius of ‘The Great’ isn’t just in its punchlines but in its relentless unpredictability. Power struggles between Catherine and Peter are never played the same way twice, infused with betrayal, plotting, and the kind of outrageous escalation that keeps audiences guessing. This is a show where history bends to the will of comedy, and every episode is packed with moments you’ll want to revisit for jokes you might’ve missed the first time.
A Stellar Supporting Ensemble
It’s not only the leads who shine. Sacha Dhawan and Adam Godley ground the court’s backstabbing and scheming, while later appearances from Julian Barratt and Gillian Anderson only heighten the mania. Every cast member buys completely into the heightened reality, creating a world both grand and deeply ridiculous.
The Lasting Impact of ‘The Great’
Even though its run ended after three seasons, the show has already entered the upper echelon of dark comedies that reward—and practically demand—rewatching. Its influence can be felt across the landscape of streaming originals, as bold dramas and comedies become braver, stranger, and more character-driven.
Where to Stream
Looking to jump into Fanning’s anarchic court? ‘The Great’ remains available to stream on Hulu—the perfect destination for anyone in search of sharp, subversive comedy and characters as unforgettable as history itself.
