Outrageous
Exhilarating and delectable with an overarching sinister undertone, Outrageous is a series that follows the political divide between the aristocratic Mitford sisters: six sisters, each with a distinct character, all born and raised under one roof by the guiding hand of Farve and the opportunistic and keen eye of Muv. All in all, it’s a recipe for a major disaster, further ignited by the gruelling political climate between the First and Second World Wars. Based on a true story, and seen through the eyes of the eldest daughter, Nancy, this charming show explores how ideological influences can sever familial bonds, and change people for better or worse. It tackles feminism in its progressive and problematic forms, never shying from showcasing empowered women on the wrong side of history.
From the first episode, the perfectly fated casting of Outrageous exudes brilliance, creating a strong foundation for the rest of the season. Each character shines, every one of them unique in their personalities and harbouring individual markers for their identities. Among the most prominent casting choices are Bessie Carter as Nancy, Joanna Vanderham as Diana, and Zoe Brough as Jessica. Carter has an endearing and playful allure that is seen through her mannerisms and in her narration of events. It highlights the importance of hindsight in the sisters’ stories, without losing the naivety that initially plagued Nancy in her hopeless romantic quest for marriage.
Seductive and cunning, Vanderham exudes beauty and grace, and an unflinching determination to get what she wants. Still, she never comes across as snobbish; there’s a gentle quality to her, in her interaction with her sisters, that inevitably draws the audience to her. Finally, Brough’s performance as Jessica emanates tantalising innocence, the perfect blank canvas for her journey into questioning the current state of society. Brough has a fiery spark to her performance that underlines a relentless persistence to change things for the better.
With fantastic casting comes excellent chemistry, complemented by a script that understands the emotional anchor of these connections. The reason this story is so heartbreaking, beyond just their differences in beliefs and politics, is the initial bond portrayed by all six of them. Sarah Williams’s script captures the mischief, the support, and the understanding present within the Mitford family. By keeping that at the forefront, the actors can hone in on the travesty of the break in these connections, and what that means for the rest of the series. For Williams, this is a passion project 20 years in the making, yet its release is perfectly timed to chime with the political tensions of today.
Production is another strong point of Outrageous, with its stylish cinematography filtered in warm and pastel colours – a reflection of the sisters and their life together. The score also maintains an upbeat and impish rhythm that flows well with Nancy’s narration. All of this combined brings life to the entire series, amplifying the loving chaos of the Mitfords. This creates an air of nostalgia, like photographs one would look back on to relive certain moments of reckless freedom and thoughtless fun. This vision will weigh heavily on the viewers’ hearts as the series progresses and things fall apart.
An intriguing story full of vibrant and colourful characters, the tale of the Mitfords is one of love, heartbreak, and a clash of ideologies. It’s a wonder why it has taken so long to adapt their lives for the screen, because it’s a fascinating piece of history with plenty of layers to expand upon. But maybe it’s all in the timing – and perfect casting.
Mae Trumata
Outrageous is released on 19th June 2025.
Watch the trailer for Outrageous here:
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