Étoile: New Prime Dance Series Reaches for the Stars
toile is a new dance series on Prime Video that brings together the extensive ballet knowledge of creator Amy Sherman-Palladino with a hefty budget. Sherman-Palladino, known for her work on Gilmore Girls and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, previously delved into the world of ballet with the series Bunheads in 2012.
The show follows the struggles of two prestigious ballet companies, The Metropolitan Ballet Theatre in New York and Le Ballet National in Paris, as they try to navigate the challenges of low ticket sales and increasing costs in the aftermath of COVID. Executive director Jack McMillan, played by Canadian actor Luke Kirby, and interim director Geneviève Lavigne, portrayed by Charlotte Gainsbourg, come up with a plan to exchange their top dancers for a year to boost visibility. They also make a deal with a less-than-savory funder, played by Simon Callow, adding a layer of intrigue to the storyline.
Despite benefiting from Sherman-Palladino’s ballet expertise and a generous budget, Étoile struggles with maintaining focus. The series introduces a large number of characters and storylines, often veering off into tangents that don’t add much to the overall plot. While fans of the Palladinos’ fast-paced scripts and quirky characters may enjoy some aspects of the show, others may find it lacking the warmth and charm of their previous works.
Although Étoile showcases some beautiful performances and striking visuals, it ultimately falls short of creating a truly captivating story. The series attempts to reach for the stars with its ambitious world-building, but without a solid foundation in reality or compelling character development, it misses the mark. Viewer engagement may suffer as a result of the show’s focus on spectacle over substance.
In conclusion, while there are some standout moments in Étoile, the series struggles to find its footing and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Dance enthusiasts and fans of the Palladinos’ unique style may still find elements to enjoy, but overall, the show may leave some viewers wanting more depth and emotional resonance.
