I was immediately captivated by Netflix’s Queen Charlotte the moment I saw 21-year-old India Amarteifio deliver her first sneer onscreen. In this prequel series to Bridgerton, Amarteifio portrays the young version of the capricious royal played by Golda Rosheuvel. Her performance showcases a rebellious nature as she smashes busts and monologues about the dangers of corsetry. In her small German principality, she is cutting and caustic. However, when she becomes a powerless pawn at the English court, she must suppress her true self and adopt the role of a submissive consort.
One particularly memorable scene involves Charlotte being subjected to a vile inspection by her future mother-in-law, Augusta (played by Michelle Fairley). Augusta takes pleasure in scrutinizing Charlotte’s body, commenting on her good hips and asserting that she should bear as many children as possible for her son. Amarteifio’s expression remains stoic as she responds with cold dismissiveness, showcasing her character’s vulnerability underneath her tough exterior. Rosheuvel’s portrayal of Queen Charlotte, on the other hand, exudes a mix of haughtiness and wit, cultivated through years of monarchical hardship.
Matching younger and older versions of the same character played by different actors can be a challenge. Even slight differences in looks, delivery, and cadence can create cognitive dissonance for viewers. TV shows that utilize parallel timelines often feel like two separate series side by side. However, when done expertly, this storytelling device becomes a testament to the skills of the actors involved. Successful performers in these roles don’t merely mimic each other, but rather create a symbiotic relationship where they serve as acting partners, even without sharing a scene together. It’s important for awards voters to recognize the talent of up-and-coming actors who stand out on their own.
Queen Charlotte takes a risk in tightly weaving together the timelines of Rosheuvel and Amarteifio’s portrayals. If the actors were too in sync, it would raise questions about why the protagonist hadn’t matured in over 40 years. On the other hand, if they were too different, it would undermine the purpose of telling Charlotte’s origin story. Fortunately, both actors bring their own unique qualities to the role. Rosheuvel’s Charlotte is a smirking virago who enjoys manipulating the nobility, while Amarteifio’s Charlotte is more insecure and uncertain, yet equally sharp-tongued. Their performances complement each other, with Amarteifio’s charisma shining through her rapid-fire line readings, and Rosheuvel conveying haughtiness through gestures and expressions.
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Another series that utilizes parallel timelines effectively is Starz’s The Serpent Queen, which follows the rise of Catherine de’ Medici. Similar to Queen Charlotte, Catherine is plucked from obscurity through a royal marriage, thrust into a foreign land, and wedded to a peculiar princeling. Liv Hill and Samantha Morton portray different stages of Catherine’s life, with Hill playing the teenage Catherine and Morton portraying her as a queen. Hill’s portrayal showcases a scrappy kid who learns early on that beauty and sexuality won’t help her achieve her goals. Instead, she relies on cunning and street smarts. Morton’s portrayal, on the other hand, reflects years of heartache, with her character’s cunning evolving into a powerful grasp for her own power.
The magic of Showtime’s Yellowjackets lies in its exploration of madness and superstition among a group of middle-aged women who survived a plane crash in their teenage years. The parallel timelines in this series are masterfully executed through the talents of the cast. Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, and Tawny Cypress deliver captivating performances as the older versions of their characters. Equally impressive are the younger actors—Sophie Nélisse, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, and Jasmin Savoy Brown—who portray the characters as teenagers. Nélisse’s portrayal of Shauna, in particular, is heart-wrenching as she grapples with guilt, starvation, and loss. Her transformation into Lynskey’s hardened character is a testament to her acting prowess.
Hulu’s Tiny Beautiful Things explores themes of grief and trauma through parallel timelines. The protagonist, Clare, portrayed by Kathryn Hahn and Sarah Pidgeon, reflects on the untimely death of her mother and her own fragmented choices in life as she approaches her 50th birthday. Both Hahn and Pidgeon bring a lived-in warmth to their portrayals, capturing the emotional journey of their characters. Living through the early pain with them enhances our understanding of their struggles.
In conclusion, TV shows that employ parallel timelines offer a unique storytelling approach. Matching younger and older versions of characters played by different actors is no easy feat, but when done well, it elevates the series to new heights. Queen Charlotte, The Serpent Queen, Yellowjackets, and Tiny Beautiful Things are examples of shows that expertly utilize this device, complemented by the remarkable performances of their respective casts. It is essential for award voters to acknowledge the talent of up-and-coming actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles alongside industry veterans.
