4 Essentials for a Successful Period Drama

By: Riley Ann Smith

1. (Sort of) Time-Period-Accurate Costuming

Costume design is often the most scrutinized element of a period drama. While some productions, like Downton Abbey, nail historical accuracy, others, like CW’s Reign, miss the mark entirely. Surprisingly, this deviation from historical accuracy doesn’t always detract from the viewing experience; sometimes, audiences are drawn to these creative liberties.

Take Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice, for example—one of the most beloved period dramas, despite its notable costume inaccuracies. Where are the head bonnets? Why do the Bennet sisters often wear their hair down? Despite these missteps, the film excels in other areas, such as its silhouettes and use of natural fabrics and muted colors. The Regency-era high bust is prominent in the costumes of younger characters, while older figures like Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine de Bourgh cling to styles that reflect their attachment to youth or tradition.

2. Wide-Lens Cinematography

The sweeping landscapes and grand architecture of period dramas demand wide-lens cinematography. This technique not only highlights the splendor of manor houses and natural vistas but also underscores the emotional stakes and character dynamics.

Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, though not a traditional period drama, offers an excellent example. The wide lens captures the vastness of the war, making individual soldiers seem like mere drops in an ocean of soliders. In period dramas, this approach serves to elevate the narrative, imposing a sense of gravity or simply adding aesthetic beauty.

3. Longing: The Emotional Core

Longing is the lifeblood of most period dramas, especially those based on the works of Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott. These stories often revolve around love and marriage or education, or women’s rights, with characters yearning for something just out of reach.

In Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, longing takes center stage. Amy’s unrequited love for Laurie is enacted through her playful antics, from young Amy molding her foot to show off her “nice feet”  to older Amy sketching him in Paris. Her eventual (!spoiler alert!) pairing with Laurie feels earned and bittersweet.

Jo, on the other hand, embodies a different kind of longing. She craves freedom and independence but also grapples with her desire for companionship. Her journey—from her ambition to become a published writer to her grief over Beth’s death—reveals her longing for deeper connections, particularly with her sisters and her childhood.

4. A Stellar Soundtrack

A period drama’s soundtrack is its heartbeat, setting the tone and immersing the audience in its world. While many stick to historically appropriate scores, others embrace bold, modern twists.

Netflix’s Bridgerton masterfully blends Regency aesthetics with contemporary music, reimagining pop hits by Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Joe Jonas through orchestral arrangements. This inventive approach amplifies the show’s dramatic flair.

Conversely, Autumn de Wilde’s Emma. opts for a traditional orchestral score, evoking the refined elegance of its setting. Both approaches demonstrate that a great soundtrack—whether period-authentic or creatively modern—can elevate a period drama to unforgettable heights.