Transatlantic is a gorgeous Netflix show based on Julie Orringer’s novel, The Flight Portfolio, a historical fiction novel about the true story of Varian Fry and the Emergency Rescue Committee, which saved hundreds of people during World War II.
Anna Winger (Deutschland 83) and Daniel Hendler created the seven-part period drama, and it is a sumptuous treat full of Old Hollywood charm that shines a light on a group of overlooked heroes from a significant moment in history.
Now, while much of the story is true and many characters are based on real people – it is a fictionalized version of actual events. And while the material is heavy, it’s displayed with style, romance, and, at times, even levity.
RELATED: 100+ Best Period Dramas on Amazon Prime to Watch
Ultimately, Transatlantic is a dazzling, melodramatic series paying homage to classic Hollywood while maintaining a modern flair. So, think Casablanca in style more than Schindler’s List.
Before I jump into my full review of Transatlantic, here is everything you need to know about the romantic miniseries.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Transatlantic on Netflix – Official Synopsis
“Two Americans and their allies form a scrappy rescue operation in 1940 Marseilles to help artists, writers and other refugees fleeing Europe during WWII.”
Transatlantic Official Trailer For The New Netflix Drama
Transatlantic Cast
A truly fascinating aspect of the historical drama is that it includes an international cast portraying the main characters in the TV show.
Gillian Jacobs as American Heiress Mary Jayne Gold
Jacobs is best known for Community! But here she excels as Mary Jayne Gold, the real-life Chicago heiress (and apparent “spinster”) who wants to use her wealth and influence to support the Emergency Rescue Committee and rescue refugees (later also helping British intelligence).
Longing to make a difference, she gets caught up in the dangerous events of the war in Marseilles in 1940.
Cory Michael Smith as Varian Fry
The audience will recognize Smith from Gotham and the period drama Carol. Here, he portrays the real-life hero, Varian Fry, who runs the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC) and tries to save as many people as possible despite Vichy France and the American government getting in the way.
He’s also secretly gay (despite being married to a woman) and in love with Thomas Lovegrove, another man helping the cause.
Lucas Englander as Albert Hirschman
Englander (an Austrian actor), seen before in The Witcher and Catherine the Great, stars as Albert Hirschman, a Jewish refugee intent on staying and helping others escape. He soon falls in love with Mary Jayne Gold despite the obstacles ahead.
Amit Rahav as Thomas Lovegrove
The Israeli actor (known for Unorthodox) portrays Thomas Lovegrove, a Jewish refugee who helps Varian and the ERC to help people escape by having them stay at his Villa Air-Bel. He also works for British intelligence.
Ralph Amoussou as Paul Kandjo
The French actor Ralph Amoussou (Missions) plays Paul, a hotel concierge at the Hotel Splendide, who helps Varian and Mary Jayne with the ERC. Paul and his brother Petit are from West Africa and live in Marseilles. Paul soon develops a romance with Lisa, another refugee and fighter.
Deleila Piasko as Lisa Fittko
Deleila Piasko portrays Lisa Fittko, a refugee helping Mary Jayne and Varian Fry with their rescue operation. She develops a romance with Paul.
Corey Stoll as Graham Patterson
Corey Stoll, best known for roles in Midnight in Paris and House of Cards, plays Graham Patterson, an American consul who’d rather help the Vichy government than refugees in danger.
Grégory Montel as Philippe Frot
The final primary cast member is Montel as Philippe Frot, a French police commissioner, trying to stop Mary Jayne Gold and the rest of the ERC because of their connections to British intelligence.
The rest of the recurring (and notable guest stars) include actors portraying memorable characters, many based on real people (mainly artists, writers, and philosophers).
- Birane Ba as Jacques “Petit” Kandjo
- Henriette Confurius as Lena Fischmann
- Luke Thompson as Harry Bingham
- Lolita Chammah as Lorène Letoret
- Jodhi May as Peggy Guggenheim
- Alexander Fehling as artist Max Ernst
- Moritz Bleibtreu as Walter Benjamin
- Louis-Do de Lencquesaing as André Breton
- Hande Kodja as Jacqueline Lamba
- Jonas Nay as writer Walter Mehring
- Rafaela Nicolay as Margaux
- Yoli Fuller as Souleymane Toure
- Nadiv Molcho as Bill Freier
- Morgane Ferru as Ursula Hirschmann
- Alexa Karolinski as political scientist Hannah Arendt
- Hanno Koffler as Hans Fittko
- Ralph Martin as Marcel Duchamp
- Gera Sandler as Marc Chagall
- Ronit Asheri as Bella Chagall
Transatlantic Fact vs. Fiction – The True Story
Transatlantic is a historical fiction series, but the events are true, and many characters are based on real people. So, how true is the story shown in the series?
Anna Winger, the co-creator of the show, explains her approach to the material:
“At a certain point, you have to acknowledge we’re creating a fictional space… We’re setting real characters free in a fictional space that’s against the backdrop of real history. But in the end, we’re making up a story, we’re spinning a yarn… It’s not a history lesson, although there’s a lot of real history in it. All the research is an important part of the process, but then liberating myself from the burden of ‘it’s not a documentary, it’s a television series,’ and allowing the characters to take on lives of their own in a way in my imagination.”
So, there you have it! The Transatlantic show is pure historical fiction – with elements of truth and history blended into an entertaining mix.
The most fictional aspect of the show is the imagined romances – none of which are real. They’re more the imaginings of the writers asking the question, “What If?”
As a romance and history fan, I thank the writers for their considered approach! But the events and people saved by the ERC are genuine – albeit dramatized for effect.
As for the characters, here’s a quick breakdown of the real people vs. the fictional ones in the series:
Real People:
- Varian Fry
- Mary Jayne Gold
- Albert Hirschman
- Lisa Fittko
- Lena Fischmann
- Walter Benjamin
- Max Ernst
- Peggy Guggenheim
- Hiram “Harry” Bingham
- André Breton
- Jacqueline Lamba
- Marcel Duchamp
- Marc and Bella Chagall
- Walter Mehring
- Luise Strauss
- Hannah Arendt
- Victor Brauner
- Victor Serge
- Hans Bellmer
- Bil Spira
Fictional Characters:
- Graham Patterson
- Thomas Lovegrove
- Paul Kandjo
- Petit Kandjo
- Philippe Frot
The fictional characters were often based on an amalgamation of people from history to create a composite character representing a group.
All in all, while the writers took liberties, the show is a good starting point to learn about the heroic efforts of Varian Fry and the rest of the people helping the Emergency Rescue Committee.
Transatlantic Review
Transatlantic is an artist’s dream. Visually, the limited series is about as beautiful as a period drama gets. The costumes are stunning (particularly in an episode with a recreated Surrealist party), the filming locations in France are authentic and lush, and the cinematography is beautiful. Even the end credits are unique and fabulous.
Not to mention the famous writers, thinkers, and especially artists appearing throughout the series. I was particularly excited to see Peggy Guggenheim and Marcel Duchamp.
So, if you love the history of Surrealism and want to know more about the Emergency Rescue Committee and how they rescued some of the greatest artists who ever lived – Transatlantic is a nice place to start.
The Performances
As for the core characters and cast – I was impressed with the choice to include an international ensemble – giving an air of authenticity to the series.
So, instead of all American or British actors telling the story, we see worldwide actors portray characters and speak the appropriate languages. Honestly, I would love to see more productions do this.
And each actor did a fantastic job – many even looking like their real-life counterparts.
The Plot
The plotlines, on the other hand, intrigue, and the characters are all interesting, making it easy to breeze through the seven episodes. You have spies, resistance fighters, refugees, artists, and more providing entertainment. In a surprising moment, for example, a character involved in musical theater breaks out into a song and dance number.
The scripts are strong – if imperfect – and keep you engaged from start to finish.
The Romance
I also enjoyed the romances. The main pairings include Mary Jayne and Albert, Varian and Thomas, and Paul and Lisa. Despite the slim chance of a happy ending, each romantic storyline is compelling for different reasons – although I was most drawn into the central romance between Mary Jayne and Albert.
However, the romantic aspect may annoy some viewers since every love story is the stuff of imagination rather than any basis in reality. So, keep that in mind if historical accuracy is what you’re looking for in a historical drama.
That said, Transatlantic is an emotional series with Old Hollywood charm that will surely please romantic period drama fans – or even readers of Women’s Fiction and WWII historical fiction novels.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, Transatlantic is a visually stunning series full of romance, energy, and lovable characters – even if the pace sometimes needed a little more suspense. It’s also a compelling, quick watch.
Now, while the comparisons to Casablanca are inevitable, I should point out that this period drama – while entertaining – is not of the same artistic caliber as the 1942 film. It is, however, a lovely, beautiful series that opens a window to people many have overlooked or forgotten.
And that is something to enjoy and celebrate.
Where to Watch
You can currently stream the Transatlantic show on Netflix.
Content Note: TV-14 for some violence, sensuality, thematic elements, and language. Nothing overly graphic.
For more period drama recommendations, see our list of the best period dramas on Netflix or the best streaming services to watch period dramas (and what to watch first).
Have you watched Transatlantic? What do you think of this romantic period drama? Let us know in the comments.
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