18 Period Pieces That Sneak Modern Sensibilities In Cleverly

Historically, period films have focused on getting every detail right – from the clothes people wore to how they spoke. But a new generation of filmmakers is breaking that mold by adding modern music and language to stories set in the past. This blend of old and new helps connect with today’s audiences by emphasizing timeless ideas. The films below show how this approach can breathe fresh life into classic stories while still capturing the feel of the original time period.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)

This popular series, created by Shonda Rhimes, offers a fresh and lively take on the Regency era. It’s known for its unique sound – classical string quartet versions of modern pop songs by artists like Ariana Grande. The show also presents a reimagined 19th-century London, with diverse casting choices that challenge traditional ideas about race and society. Characters approach love and marriage with a modern sense of independence and what they want, making this historical drama feel surprisingly relatable and engaging.

‘Marie Antoinette’ (2006)

Sofia Coppola’s film is a visually striking take on the queen’s life, focusing more on her feelings and atmosphere than exact historical details. The movie uses music from bands like The Cure and New Order to capture the frustration and energy of being a teenager. A quick shot of modern sneakers highlights the queen’s rebellious spirit. Instead of focusing on politics, the film explores how isolating and overwhelming fame can be. While some critics were unsure about the film’s style at first, it’s now considered highly influential in how period dramas are made.

‘A Knight’s Tale’ (2001)

Heath Ledger plays a commoner who transforms himself into a knight to compete in jousting. The film starts with a lively scene of medieval people cheering to Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” and the characters speak using contemporary slang and compare jousting to modern sports. The knights’ armor even features logos similar to those seen on athletic gear today. This intentional mix of old and new emphasizes that the idea of celebrity athletes has always existed.

‘Dickinson’ (2019–2021)

This show offers a fresh take on Emily Dickinson’s younger years, giving it a distinctly modern vibe. Hailee Steinfeld plays Dickinson, speaking like a contemporary teen, while her parents talk as people did in her time. The soundtrack features today’s trap and hip-hop, backing scenes of typical teenage experiences like rebelling and partying. The series tackles themes of sexuality and gender in a way that feels relevant and open-minded, rather than restrictive. Ultimately, it portrays the famously private poet as a brilliant and forward-thinking individual who was simply misunderstood.

‘The Great’ (2020–2023)

This funny and biting comedy stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult as they tell the story of Catherine the Great’s rise to power in Russia. The show doesn’t worry much about historical accuracy, instead using witty, modern language and plenty of sarcasm. The characters’ conversations often feel like something you’d hear in a modern office or during political debates. By taking liberties with history, the series offers a clever take on issues of power, gender, and bad leadership. It’s smart and playful, but doesn’t take itself too seriously.

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Yorgos Lanthimos’s new film is a darkly funny look at the court of Queen Anne in the early 1700s. Instead of sounding old-fashioned, the characters’ conversations are quick-witted and feel very current. One memorable scene shows a formal court dance gradually turning into unexpected, modern moves, like vogueing. The film’s costumes are also striking, combining historical shapes with materials like denim and vinyl, which gives it a unique and less formal look than typical royal stories.

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

This exciting mystery introduces Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock Holmes’s younger sister. The main character often speaks directly to the audience, sharing her difficulties. Using both jujitsu and detective work, she fights against the limitations placed on women during the Victorian era. The film explores ideas of women’s freedom and the right to vote in a way that’s easy for today’s young viewers to understand. It reimagines a traditional time period as a backdrop for a strong, modern female lead.

‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)

Baz Luhrmann’s film brings a fresh energy to movie musicals by telling a sad love story in a fast-paced, visually stunning version of Paris from the year 1900. Instead of traditional songs, the characters share their emotions through mashups of popular 20th-century songs by artists like Madonna and Elton John. The film’s editing is quick and energetic, much like a music video. This approach cleverly links the artistic spirit of the past with today’s pop music. Ultimately, the film focuses on powerful feelings and grand visuals rather than historical accuracy.

‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013)

Okay, so Baz Luhrmann’s done it again – he’s brought his signature over-the-top style to ‘The Great Gatsby’. It’s a classic story, but he sets it to a modern beat with hip-hop and electronic music – Jay-Z actually produced a lot of it! Visually, it’s insane – he uses all these crazy effects and camera angles to make the parties feel unbelievably huge and decadent. What’s really interesting is how he connects the wild parties of the 1920s to the celebrity scene we have today. It really hits home that the appeal of wealth and excess isn’t just a thing of the past – it’s always been a bit dangerous and captivating.

‘Persuasion’ (2022)

As a film buff, I found this adaptation of a classic Jane Austen novel really interesting. Dakota Johnson is great, but it definitely takes some risks with the source material! The main character frequently looks at the audience and makes these witty, almost sarcastic comments – it felt very current, like something you’d see in a modern comedy show. They even threw in slang and phrases we use today, like talking about ‘exes’ and ‘self-care,’ which was a bold move. It’s like they wanted to take all the hidden feelings in the book and turn it into a rom-com we could really connect with. It’s been a bit divisive, but I think it definitely sped things up and made it feel more accessible, even if purists might disagree.

‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ (2019)

Armando Iannucci’s adaptation of Charles Dickens is lively and funny. The show features a diverse cast, reflecting modern Britain while still being set in Victorian times. Transitions between scenes are visually dynamic, with sets often changing right before your eyes. The story moves quickly, streamlining the original novel and avoiding slow, overly emotional moments. It captures the hopeful, energetic spirit of Dickens’ work with a fresh, modern perspective.

‘Rosaline’ (2022)

I was completely captivated by this retelling of Romeo and Juliet! It’s told from the perspective of Rosaline, Romeo’s first girlfriend, and Kaitlyn Dever is brilliant – she plays her with this amazing modern sass and a really relatable, cynical edge, like a typical teenager stuck in a Shakespearean drama. What I loved most was how the dialogue took all that beautiful, flowery language and just… pointed out how ridiculous some of it would be if people actually said it. It feels so fresh and funny, like a high school rom-com, even with all the period costumes. It’s such a clever take on the classic story, finally giving a voice to the girl who gets left behind, and it really makes you think about the whole romance in a new way.

‘Catherine Called Birdy’ (2022)

Lena Dunham’s film tells the story of a teenage girl in medieval times who doesn’t want to be forced into a marriage. The movie features indie rock songs that reflect the main character’s independent attitude, and is narrated by Birdy, whose voice perfectly captures what it’s like to be a teenager, even centuries ago. The film is unique for its honest portrayal of things like periods and first crushes, topics rarely shown in historical settings. Ultimately, it’s a relatable story about the challenges of growing up and becoming your own person.

‘Gentleman Jack’ (2019–2022)

Suranne Jones plays Anne Lister, a fascinating historical figure who lived in Yorkshire during the 1830s and kept detailed diaries. Lister moves with confidence and energy, standing out from the slower rhythm of life around her. The show often has her look directly at the audience, as if sharing a secret or a quick idea. A lively and modern theme song sets a fast pace. Ultimately, the series depicts Anne Lister as a woman determined to break free from the strict rules placed on women of her era.

‘The Buccaneers’ (2023–Present)

This show is based on the Edith Wharton novel and tells the story of a lively group of American women who shake up London’s high society. The music features popular songs by today’s female artists, like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, to highlight key emotional moments. Instead of focusing on the strict rules of the Victorian era, the series shows realistic and relatable friendships between the women. The bright, colorful visuals emphasize the characters’ optimistic outlook, and the story explores the differences between new wealth and established traditions.

‘My Lady Jane’ (2024)

This show reimagines the story of Lady Jane Grey, blending historical tragedy with fantasy and a rebellious spirit. A witty narrator playfully points out where the show deviates from history. The costumes are a unique mix of Tudor style and modern fashion, and the action scenes are over-the-top and cinematic, prioritizing excitement over historical accuracy. It’s a deliberately alternate take on history, designed to be an enjoyable and thrilling adventure.

‘The Serpent Queen’ (2022–2024)

Samantha Morton delivers a compelling performance as Catherine de’ Medici in a drama that portrays her as incredibly resilient. The series begins with a bold, punk rock opening sequence, immediately establishing a forceful mood. Catherine narrates her own story to a member of her staff and often speaks directly to the audience, attempting to explain the reasons behind her often harsh decisions. The show’s dialogue is direct and realistic, a departure from the ornate language typically used in historical dramas about 16th-century courts. This approach presents the queen as a complex, modern anti-heroine fighting against a rigid, male-dominated world.

‘Anna Karenina’ (2012)

Joe Wright’s film presents this Russian story largely within a crumbling theater, highlighting how fake and performative the lives of the wealthy characters are. The film feels like a play, with characters moving fluidly between scenes as if acting for others. The movements of those in the background are carefully choreographed and deliberate, not realistic. This technique visually represents the characters’ constant sense of being observed and evaluated by those around them, creating a visually striking and unique experience.

Please share your favorite anachronistic moment from a period piece in the comments.

2025-11-28 15:47