5th November 2024
Film Critic: Rivals
Disney Plus's new series Rivals adapts Jilly Cooper’s infamous 1988 novel from the Rutshire Chronicles, drawing viewers into a sumptuous, exaggerated portrayal of 1980s England. The show centers on the fierce rivalry between the debonair Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and ruthless TV executive Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). These two characters are caught in a whirlwind of ambition, jealousy, and outrageous antics, making for an experience that's entertainingly over-the-top and self-aware.
The series truly leans into its period setting, showcasing a mix of nostalgia and absurdity that captures the excesses of the 1980s. It opens with Rupert’s outrageous entrance—taking place on a Concorde, with scenes full of '80s touches like prawn cocktails and chain-smoking passengers. From lavish boozy parties to scandalous affairs, Rivals revels in every possible trope of the era, complete with the bold fashions, big hair, and music. The show’s opulent locations—primarily set in the fictional county of Rutshire—enhance this lavish atmosphere, with countryside estates, grand parties, and dramatic television studio backdrops that capture the high-stakes, soap-opera feel that was so popular at the time.
Performance-wise, Tennant and Hassell lead a star-studded cast that brings intensity and charisma to their roles. Tennant’s Baddingham is sinister yet captivating, and Hassell’s Rupert exudes charm and unapologetic hedonism. Supporting characters, including Aidan Turner’s ambitious journalist Declan O'Hara and Nafessa Williams as the American producer Cameron Cook, add layers of conflict and intrigue to the unfolding drama.
However, the locations are as much a star of Rivals as its cast. The English countryside and Rutshire’s fictional mansions offer picturesque, almost postcard-like views of British opulence, grounding the show's larger-than-life characters in a setting that feels as sophisticated as it is visually indulgent. Each set, whether a glamorous manor or a bustling TV studio, contributes to the show’s opulent atmosphere, reflecting the social class distinctions and power dynamics central to the plot. CH-10259 in Gloucestershire is one of the central locations to the show. This lavish country house location is as impressive on the inside as it is outside, and clearly demonstrates the rural opulence the Producers are going for. This estate, known for its grandeur and vintage charm, has previously been featured in other period dramas, adding a distinctive historic feel to Rivals.
A significant portion of indoor scenes and intricate set designs took place at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol. This production hub allowed filmmakers to build custom sets, including Corinium TV's 1980s-era control room, essential for the show's television industry setting. The show’s creators made use of the Bristol area’s highly skilled crew and versatile locations, including Corn Street, Queen Square, and the Harbour Hotel. These venues doubled as 1980s London streets and high-society event spaces, bringing an authentic urban touch to the scenes. Special efforts, such as adding London buses with period signage, helped create a realistic setting in Bristol for these London-inspired shots?
Critics agree that Rivals is highly enjoyable, if somewhat campy, with a good balance of drama and humor. While some feel a bit more depth would enhance the show’s handling of heavier themes, most agree it’s a riotously fun watch for fans of escapist television and nostalgic 1980s excess. It’s a confident, self-assured series that knows exactly what it wants to be: a nostalgic yet refreshing dip into a scandalous, high-society world of romance and rivalry.
For anyone interested in a glamorous, tongue-in-cheek drama, Rivals is a must-watch that invites you to get lost in its lavish and delightfully chaotic world.