“Transatlantic,” the highly anticipated period drama coming to Netflix this spring, promises to transport audiences to the heart of one of the most tumultuous times in modern history. The limited series tells the remarkable true story of Varian Fry, a fearless journalist who arrived in France in 1940 and became a beacon of hope for many of Europe’s most prominent artists and writers that were trying to flee the relentless advance of the Nazis.
Along with the American heiress Mary Jayne Gold, Fry forms the Emergency Rescue Committee, dedicated to helping those in need escape to safety. The two found themselves hiding in a French villa, where they worked tirelessly to help the likes of Hannah Arendt, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, and Marc Chagall, amongst others, as they tried their best to make the perilous journey across the Atlantic to the United States.
Fry’s unwavering bravery and selflessness earned him the distinction of being the first American to be honored with the title of “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum, for his heroic efforts in saving Jewish refugees from certain death.
With a powerful and thought-provoking storyline, “Transatlantic” feels like a limited series offering by Netflix that will be worthy of a watch and discussion. For audiences who often seek a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history, the show will hold a wearing candle of the human spirit.
Here’s Everything We Know About ‘Transatlantic’:
“Transatlantic” comes from the talented mind of Anna Wigner, who came to mainstream prominence with her show “Unorthodox.” The new show is set to captivate audiences with its epic storyline and all-star cast beginning April 7th, 2023, as the seven-part series lands on Netflix altogether.
The show is set to feature a powerhouse ensemble of actors, including Cory Michael Smith, Gillian Jacobs, Lucas Englander, Corey Stoll, Gregory Montel, Ralph Amoussou, Deleila Piasko, Amit Rahav, Moritz Bleibtreu, Alexander Fehling, Jonas Nay, Lolita Chammah, Luke Thompson, Jodhi May, Rafaela Nicolay, and Henriette Confurius.
Directors Stéphanie Chuat, Véronique Reymond, and Mia Meyer will be headlining the show’s episodes, with co-creators Anna Winger and Daniel Hendler managing to sweep in powerful themes of courage, sacrifice, and love.
Based on The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer:
Gillian Jacobs as Mary Jayne Gold and Corey Stoll as Graham Patterson in Transatlantic, Courtesy of Netflix © 2023“The Flight Portfolio,” Julie Orringer’s seminal novel, is a powerful fictionalization of the story of Varian Fry and his Emergency Rescue Committee. Set in Vichy, France, the book follows Fry as he confronts an unbearable moral dilemma; the question of how to balance the lives of 200 artists and writers he was tasked with saving against those of average citizens in dire need of assistance.
Orringer expertly explores the complexity of Fry’s situation, as he is forced to make life-altering decisions based on assessments of a refugee’s artistic or intellectual value. The novel takes this already impossible situation and adds a personal layer of depth, as Fry is faced with the possibility of saving someone he cares deeply about and must struggle to reconcile this imperative with the needs of others who may have a more legitimate claim to his resources and attention.
“The Flight Portfolio” is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the sacrifices individuals must make to help those in need. It’s a moving tribute to Fry’s unwavering courage and selflessness and a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the complexities of the human experience.
‘Transatlantic’ First Look:
Lucas Englander as Albert Hirschmann and Cory Michael Smith as Varian Fry in Transatlantic, Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Gillian Jacobs as Mary Jayne Gold, Cory Michael Smith as Varian Fry and Amit Rahav as Thomas Lovegrove in Transatlantic, Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Lucas Englander as Albert Hirschmann and Gillian Jacobs as Mary Jayne Gold in Transatlantic, Courtesy of Netflix © 2023
