Sally Wainwright seems to be staking a claim on a very particular niche genre with her latest project, embodying a trend that aligns well with her past successes. These ventures, which include the 2016 TV film “To Walk Invisible” and the 2019 drama “Gentleman Jack,” have one thing in common: they are period dramas that feature strong female leads and have the unique ability to inspire audiences with their blend of historical authenticity and refreshing storytelling. Wainwright’s knack for placing these formidable characters within traditional period settings is nothing short of captivating, as she infuses them with a charm that is both whimsically escapist and adventurously modern. And now, with “Renegade Nell,” she incorporates another intriguing twist – the element of the supernatural.
Situated in the atmospheric backdrop of 18th-century England, the show introduces us to Nelly Jackson (played by Louisa Harland), a young woman thrust into widowhood. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she inadvertently becomes entangled in a highway robbery on her journey back home. Unbeknownst to her, she is about to tap into an unexpected mystical force. Assuming the moniker Nell, she confronts the bandits with a newfound power that proves decisive. Her subsequent encounters with oppressive figures leave witnesses flabbergasted as she repels would-be assailants at the very brink of danger.
Embellishing the narrative is Nick Mohammed, of “Ted Lasso” fame, who portrays Billy Blind – a spectral entity that exists in a non-corporeal state and is the very source of Nell’s mysterious abilities. Wainwright, drawing inspiration from English folklore and ballads, artfully resists the temptation to delve too deep into Billy’s reasons or the origins of his interest in aiding Nell. This enigmatic aspect might ordinarily complement the story, yet in this context, it can yield a sense of incompleteness.
Additional layers of complexity emerge as Nell finds herself implicated in the murder of a local magistrate, her father. She becomes a fugitive, a turn of events that forges her path alongside her younger sisters, Roxy and George (Bo Bragason and Florence Keen), and fellow outlaw Charles (Frank Dillane). The magistrate’s determined daughter, Sofia (Alice Kremelberg), relentlessly pursues them, shaping a narrative that spans over eight episodes rich with intrigue and conspiracy. While a shorter film adaptation could have offered a more concise approach, and a lengthier series might have deepened world-building, “Renegade Nell” counters this potential for complexity with an overly simplified storytelling methodology.
Despite the narrative shortcuts, the show’s adventurous spirit soars, largely owing to Harland’s portrayal of Nell. Known for her role in “Derry Girls,” Harland excels as the bullet-catching, villain-slaying heroine who exudes the poise of someone with indomitable strength, yet also displays the vulnerability of someone grappling with the gravity of her newfound purpose.
Looking ahead, there remains the potential for a second season that could further flesh out and solidify the narrative underpinnings of the show. For now, “Renegade Nell” triumphs in striking a near-perfect chord with its hearty appetite for adventure, ensuring a viewing experience replete with enjoyment.
For those eager to embark on this tale of magic, suspense, and historical allure, “Renegade Nell” is currently available for streaming on Disney+Hotstar. With this latest entry, the line between English cinema and world cinema continues to blur, as television platforms like Hotstar pave the way for a global audience to partake in such fantastical period dramas, confirming their universal appeal.
