Amy Sherman-Palladino’s ‘Étoile’ Review: Prime Video Ballet Series

When I was five, all I wanted to be was a ballerina. I signed up for ballet classes with my neighbor, but my dreams of dancing professionally ended after a disastrous recital. Turns out, I was more interested in the tutus than the actual dancing, so I happily twirled around the house in them until I outgrew them.

Unlike me, one of my cousins pursued a career in dance and performed in The Nutcracker and other ballets in NYC every year. Watching her on stage, I thought she lived a glamorous and exciting life. This early exposure to dance set the stage for my future in theater. I learned that the glitz and glam of creating art is often overshadowed by the sweat, tears, and hard work that goes into it.

Even though I wasn’t a fan of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s other shows, I fell in love with Bunheads. So, you can imagine my excitement when she and Prime Video came together to bring us Étoile.

Étoile follows two sibling dance companies, The Metropolitan Ballet Theater in NYC and The Ballet National in Paris, as they swap members for a season to spice things up. Led by the on-again/off-again couple, Jack (Luke Kirby) and Geneviève (Charlotte Gainsbourg), the series delves deep into their complex, supportive yet tumultuous relationship.

The show paints a typical Sherman-Palladino picture—characters who deeply care for each other but are torn apart by the demands of their prestigious companies and the pressures of the cultural institutions they represent. Dance, like many other art forms, doesn’t leave much room for romantic, healthy relationships.

Charlotte Gainsbourg shines as Geneviève, the no-nonsense French choreographer who’s always on edge about her company and dancers. Her character is wonderfully brought to life with raw charm and humor, making her hard edges endearing.

Luke Kirby’s portrayal of Jack, the sensitive and cursed artistic director, adds depth to the series, especially in his relationship with Nicholas (David Haig), his stabilizing force.

Gideon Glick as Tobias, the artistic genius choreographer, and the French standouts Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, and Lou de Laâge, all bring their characters to life with finesse and authenticity, adding layers to the story.

Étoile brilliantly captures the insular world of professional ballet, showcasing the beauty and intensity of the performances. The first season, comprising eight episodes, is a gem that I devoured like a bag of candy in just two days. It’s a perfect mix of intimacy and artistry, highlighting the passion and dedication that go into living a life focused on the arts.

And the good news? It’s already been renewed for a second season, so there’s more dance drama to look forward to. All episodes of Étoile are available to stream on Prime Video. Let’s dance!