'Masterpiece' period drama based on beloved novel ‘as good as Downton Abbey'

If you think you know William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1848 novel about 19th-century social climbing, scandal, and heartbreak, think again. The 2018 mini-series adaptation of Vanity Fair has brought the story to life again with a freshness that surprises even seasoned period drama fans. Far from a stuffy costume drama, this version is sharp, stylish, and emotionally compelling, blending fidelity to the original text with flair.

Set against the glittering yet rough backdrop of Regency England, the story follows Becky Sharp, a clever and ambitious young woman who uses wit, charm, and sometimes ruthless cunning to carve out a place for herself in high society.

Opposite her is the gentle Amelia Sedley, whose innocence and loyalty offer a moral counterpoint to Becky’s ambition. The mini-series doesn’t shy away from the darker edges of Thackeray’s satire: betrayal, manipulation, and the human cost of obsession are all central to the drama.

Fans of period drama will appreciate the attention to detail - from lavish sets to authentic-looking costumes, transporting viewers straight to Regency ballrooms and drawing rooms, all while the original music score adds a surprisingly modern edge, enhancing tension and intimacy in equal measure.

One IMDb reviewer summed it up perfectly: “The sets (CGI) and costumes are incredibly grand without being over the top. The acting is top notch from EVERYBODY involved. In a word, it is FANTASTIC! And it’s human!”

Performances are a particular highlight. Olivia Cooke gives Becky Sharp a cunning, magnetic presence, while Claudia Jessie’s Amelia embodies innocence with layers of depth.

Critics and viewers alike noted the contrast between the two leads, praising the series for its nuanced portrayal of friendship, rivalry, and social pressure. As one fan commented: “It’s been great seeing this series doing something very different, how refreshing!! Claudia Jessie is a really good Amelia, and Olivia Cooke is equally good as Becky! The music is original! Enticing and fits with the originality of this version!”

Unlike some adaptations that smooth over the novel’s darker moments, Vanity Fair embraces them. The series can be bleak, tragic, and morally complex, reminding viewers that the Regency era wasn’t all glittering balls and polite society, but instaed a world of survival, ambition, and sometimes heartbreak.

As one review cheekily noted: “Watch out, ’cause this ain’t Downton Abbey! This mini-series is beautifully made. Just don’t assume that you’re getting something cute and cozy, because it’s more like a tragedy…”

All of the episodes of Vanity Fair are available to stream on Apple TV.