As someone who occasionally enjoys a good period drama, I think the Netflix German show The Empress ticks the right boxes. At a time when the genre itself is being challenged and redefined, the show is not pathbreaking per se, but it is decent enough to enjoy and learn about a few chapters from history. When it comes to period drama, there is scope for taking complete creative liberty and envisioning a historical figure in a modern light, or there is the traditional route where the creator can stick to texts and facts and create a historically accurate work. In the case of The Empress, the show is a blend of both; it sticks to the popular narrative around Elisabeth, and at times the show takes the liberty of imagining the extent of her rebellious nature. Empress Elisabeth of Austria is a pop culture icon by now. She was defiant and challenged societal norms, making her the perfect subject for a feminist period drama. From the Sissi trilogy (1955) to Corsage (2022) and The Empress (2022-), Elisabeth continues to be as relevant as she was during the 1800s! And why not? She was a celebrated figure who lived a secretive life, leaving enough scope for writers and directors to reimagine and interpret.

“Corsage” focused on the declining mental health of the Austrian empress in her 40s and her obsession with the only facet of her life that she could control—her appearance. Whereas The Empress takes us back to when Franz Joseph met Elisabeth for the first time and immediately fell in love with her. She was innocent, playful, and at the same time extremely passionate about things that mattered to her. She was unlike Franz, and that was all the more reason why the emperor admired her. In the series, we witness Sisi evolve from a young empress into a mother. While season one focused on her discovering her likes, dislikes, and passions, the second season is centered around the challenges of motherhood. As an empress, she was expected to give birth to a boy, and she could sense the disappointment among the people around her after her second daughter was born. Sisi refused to restrict herself to womanly duties and instead, she tried to speak on matters of public welfare. She was an opinionated woman, something that her husband could never make peace with. As much as he appreciated her intellect, he often felt she undermined his sensibilities. This resulted in constant friction between them, and their relationship is explored throughout the series. Even though they had their differences, Franz and Elisabeth always went back to each other, or at least they did so until they lost hope in their marriage.

In season two, we witness Elisabeth’s vulnerable side. As someone who often felt detached from her domestic life, her children, especially her daughter, kept her rooted. Her relationship with her eldest daughter, Sophie, is beautifully portrayed in the series. The Empress imagines how Elisabeth might have protested whenever Sophie was made to feel any less just because she was born a girl. In the second season, the Second Italian War of Independence unfolds. A lot of the tension that the characters experience this season is because of the political unrest in the Lombardy-Venetia region. Franz often felt overwhelmed by the growing political turmoil, and it further distanced him from his family.

After an impactful first season with enough drama and deceit to keep the audience hooked, the second season is equally captivating. The pacing is worth a mention—emotional scenes unfold gradually without a sense of hurry, and that in itself is such a relief in a six-episode series. The planning and execution are significant here—instead of trying to tell a lot in one season, the focus is more on making it impactful. Without giving away any spoilers, I would like to add that episode 5 of The Empress season two is particularly moving.

In period dramas, the set design and costume are of great significance, and The Empress does not disappoint. From elegant ball gowns and elaborate hairstyles to lavish palaces, the sense of grandeur is visually appealing. The use of sheer fabric in women’s clothing was prevalent in the 19th century. And on many occasions, Elisabeth is seen in gowns with sheer detailing, which further adds to the historical accuracy that the show aims for.

Devrim Lingnau delivers a terrific performance as the Austrian Empress. She has embodied Elisabeth to perfection—flawlessly capturing every aspect of her personality and journey. From the powerful moments of defiance and rebellion, where she stands her ground, to moments of tenderness and vulnerability, where we get to witness her softer and more compassionate side, Lingnau has managed to portray the complexity of the character accurately. Phillip Froissant as the emperor Franz Joseph continues to keep the audience captivated in the second season. Just like Elisabeth, Franz is a layered character who is often torn between his desires and the burden of being an emperor. Froissant’s portrayal of Franz evokes sympathy from the audience. Even though there are moments when you might question his decisions, we’re repeatedly reminded that he was only human trying to find a balance between his role as emperor and fulfilling his duties and expectations as a husband and a father. In this season, the show digs deeper into Sophie’s character and history, and we can expect to find out more about her in the next season if Netflix greenlights the series. Melika Foroutan’s Sophie is perhaps one of the most disliked characters on the show. But then again she is not portrayed as evil but rather a woman who had never dared to question societal norms and had become a guardian of tradition. While she always kept her emotions at bay, there are moments in season two when she breaks down, further exposing her vulnerable side.

While The Empress is not a period drama so good that it will remain etched in your memory, it has the potential to move you and make you curious about the historical figures and their lives. With dozens of Netflix shows constantly released, The Empress creates an impression and is definitely worth a watch if you occasionally enjoy period dramas as I do.