Often overlooked when it comes to the period drama genre, the little-known television series has viewers singing its praises.
Fans of period dramas — especially those based on novels by the Brontë sisters — are in for a treat, because there’s one little-known television drama that’s being hailed as a must-watch. Garnering glowing praise and critical acclaim in the years since its release, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall first premiered on BBC in November 1996.
The three-episode miniseries is based on Anne Brontë’s 1848 novel of the same name, and was helmed by Mike Barker. Available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, the excellent period drama has compelled viewers to say it’s even better than adaptations of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
Often overlooked when it comes to the period drama genre, especially the Brontë subcategory, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall stars Tara Fitzgerald, Rupert Graves, and Toby Stephens in the lead, with the actors taking on the roles of Helen Graham, Arthur Huntington, and Gilbert Markham respectively.
Sarah Badel, Jackson Leach, Sean Gallagher, Jonathan Cake, Joe Absolom, and Kenneth Cranham join the stars to round out a talented supporting cast.
With three episodes clocking in at almost an hour each, the period drama masterpiece was nominated for four BAFTAs: Best Make-Up and Hair Design, which it won; Best Costume Design; Best Design; and Best Photography and Lighting (Fiction/Entertainment).
The show’s official plot states: “A mysterious woman with a hidden past arrives at crumbling Wildfell Hall. Through her story a tale of betrayal, abuse, and defiance unfolds in haunting detail. Anne Bronte classic.”
Viewers have lavished praise upon the period piece in the years since its release, with one IMDB user commenting: “A Wonderful Romance. I loved this mini series.
“As an anglophile who loves romances… this movie was just my cup of tea and I would recommend it to anyone looking to escape for a few hours into the England of the 1800’s.”
Another viewer, comparing the show to other Brontë greats, writes: “Tenant is far more believable than Wuthering Heights or even Jane Eyre; here is an adaptation that does the novel justice. I highly recommend viewing it!”
While yet another user echoes the sentiment: “A classic book told truly excellently. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall does deserve to be up there with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights as it does have all the ingredients of a classic. This dramatisation is just excellent with its only detriment being the ending feeling rather rushed.”
Another IMDB user review said of the show: “The actors are superb, the best Brits have to offer. The love story is beautifully handled, with real passion and feeling by well-matched actors. Another BBC classic, highly recommended: this is how romantic literature should be dramatised.”
While one viewer declared: “Marvellous film. Anne Bronte’s epic novel THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL should be studied and read throughout schools, libraries, and people’s living rooms. Do watch this film, it’s a great version of the book and very moving indeed. I’m sure Anne herself would have been happy with the way it was produced. Excellent acting and great locations.”
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
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