Guess who’s back with a vengeance? I spent the summer consuming a multitude of shows and movies to shove in your faces this new year. Get ready friends. I’m coming in hot with a review of the CBC/ Netflix original, Anne with an E.
Anne with an E is sourced from the 20th century book series by L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables. At the beginning of the series, we meet the Cuthberts, Matthew and Marilla of Prince Edward Island. Matthew, who’s getting along in years, needs help with their family farm. To solve the problem his older sister, Marilla, and him decide to adopt a boy from the orphan asylum in Nova Scotia.
On the day of the orphan’s arrival, Matthew drives to the local train station to fetch him. Much to his surprise, Matthew finds a small, red-headed girl who goes by Anne, but please make sure to spell it with an “E” when you speak it. You get to spend the rest of the series following Anne’s adventures and getting to know the beautiful scope of her imagination.
Released in early 2017 is the newest in a long history of adaptations of Anne of Green Gables. Which, I am remiss to admit, that I had never read before watching the series. That being said, you don’t have to read the book to appreciate Anne with an E. Here’s why.
Writer and director Moira Walley-Beckett (who has won an Emmy for her writing on Breaking Bad) knew she wanted to bring something different to the table in her adaptation.
First, Beckett knew she wanted “a documentary-level of realism” for the art design (costumes, sets, props etc.). Part of the show is filmed on Prince Edward Island, where Anne of Green Gables is set, the rest being shot in Montreal. The costumes will leave you swooning over puff sleeves.
Aside from the art design, Beckett wanted to introduce a new tone that hasn’t been present in other adaptations. Anne with an E can be dark at times, especially when Anne is reminded of her abusive upbringing. This is also what the show was criticized most for in season one.
I think “the dark stuff they added” works. Life in the late 18th century Maritimes was hard, especially for orphans which society thought of as scum. It makes me more appreciative for Anne’s current safety with the Cuthberts.
With that being said, Anne with an E went even farther off-book in season two (released this July) and I couldn’t be happier. Anne gets to learn about the experiences of people of color and the gay community.
Ms. Josephine Barry (whose identity was only hinted at in the first season) is revealed to be a lesbian and Anne’s new kindred spirit, Cole, comes to terms with his sexuality across the season.
Gilbert’s new friend, Sebastian, gives both him and the Cuthberts a look into what the black community of Prince Edward Island at the time had to deal with.
I’ve seen shows set in the 80s that never tackle race or sexuality, while Anne with an E is here silently killing it.
A few weeks ago, Anne with an E confirmed it would return for a 3rd season. Hopefully, I’ve been able to convince you to check out a show I, now, hold so dear to my heart.
In the words of Anne (quoting Charlotte Bronte), “I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.”
Rating: 10/10
