Show Notes
In this bonus episode of Swoon-Worthy, we bring you a roundup of the latest and upcoming period dramas — from buzzy premieres to hidden gems and future favorites. We rave about Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025), with its breathtaking costuming, emotionally rich performances, and gothic storytelling that’s anything but monstrous. We also dig into King & Conqueror (Amazon Prime), starring James Norton, and explain why early reviews might be missing the mark. Joe Wright’s Mussolini: Son of the Century (Mubi) gets our attention as an under-the-radar miniseries with bold historical ambition. Then we preview what’s coming soon: Merteuil / The Seduction (HBO Max France, Nov 14) — a feminist prequel to Les Liaisons dangereuses Train Dreams (Netflix, Nov 21) — a haunting frontier tale starring Joel Edgerton 100 Nights of Hero and Fackham Hall (Dec 5 theatrical releases) — one poetic, one parodic, both irresistible Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials (Netflix, Jan 15) — a fresh take on country house mystery The Forsytes and The Count of Monte Cristo (PBS Masterpiece, March 2026) — sweeping sagas with star-studded casts The Nightingale (Feb 12, 2027) — Dakota and Elle Fanning finally unite in Kristin Hannah’s WWII adaptation We also tease a few newly announced period dramas with no release dates yet — but trust us, they’re already on our radar. Whether you’re craving corsets, conspiracies, or complex heroines, this episode is your guide to what’s making waves in the world of period storytelling.
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This week on Swoon-Worthy, we step into the enchanted world of Beauty and the Beast, with a thoughtful discussion comparing Disney’s 2017 live-action adaptation starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens to the 1991 animated classic. From the sweeping costumes and lavish castle interiors to the romance, music, and memorable performances, we explore what worked for us and how this version captures the magic of a fairy tale so many of us grew up loving.
This week on Swoon-Worthy, we're joined by Casta Hex: historical costumer, fashion historian, textile artist, drag performer, and one of our favorite voices in the historical fashion community. From her embroidery and textile work on productions including My Lady Jane and House of the Dragon Season 2 to her breathtaking historical gowns and educational social media content, Casta Hex takes us behind the seams of her creative world. We discuss her love of 18th-century fashion and other eras she most enjoys recreating. Along the way, we make the case that audiences can absolutely connect with authentic period costume design, citing favorites like Emma. (2020), The VVitch, Gentleman Jack, and Downton Abbey. Casta Hex also shares her creative process, the films and costumes that inspire her work, and how productions like Dangerous Liaisons and Sleepy Hollow helped shape her artistic eye. Whether you love historical fashion, period dramas, embroidery, cosplay, drag, or costume design for film and television, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!
This week on Swoon‑Worthy, we revisit Sense & Sensibility (1995), Ang Lee's beloved adaptation of Jane Austen's novel featuring an extraordinary cast led by Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, and Greg Wise. After re-reading Austen's novel, we take a deep dive into Emma Thompson's Oscar‑winning screenplay, exploring the changes she made, the scenes she expanded, and why this adaptation continues to resonate with audiences decades later. We discuss the performances, the unforgettable dialogue, the romance, the heartbreak, and the moments that have become iconic among Austen fans. Along the way, we share fascinating behind‑the‑scenes insights from an editor screening and Q&A, Emma Thompson's published diaries, and the original screenplay book, offering a closer look at the creative process behind one of the most celebrated literary adaptations ever made. From Elinor's quiet strength to Marianne's passionate heart, we unpack the characters, relationships, and themes that make this story endure. Whether you're a longtime admirer of the film, a devoted Austen reader, or discovering Sense & Sensibility for the first time, this episode is a celebration of a movie we believe is nothing short of a masterpiece - just in time for the new Daisy Edgar-Jones led film hitting theaters this Fall.