Premiered: November 1, 2019

On: Apple TV+

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Jane Krakowski, Adrian Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov, Ella Hunt, Darlene Hunt, Matt Lauria, Gus Halper, Gus Birney, Sophie Zucker, Allegra Heart, Kevin Yee, Chinaza Uche, Samuel Farnsworth, Wiz Khalifa, John Mulaney & Jason Mantzoukas

A period comedy-drama set in the mid-1800s with a modern tone, Dickinson won’t be everyone’s style, but it’s the perfect driving force for lead star Hailee Steinfeld and strong supporter Jane Krakowski.

Young Emily Dickinson (Steinfeld) dreams of becomes the greatest American poet but her father Edward (Toby Huss) disapproves of women making a name for themselves through writing. Emily’s best friend Sue (Ella Hunt) gets engaged to her brother Austin (Adrian Enscoe).

The comedy is quirky and often juxtaposes the setting and timeframe of the story. Krakowski – as Emily’s mother – falls into her well-crafted flippant humor. Similarly, Steinfeld brings her peculiar angst to her character that wants more from life.

Mixed into the storylines are comments about typical gender roles and discrimination based on sex that often still ring true in today’s society.

Final say: Supremely written and acted. ★★★★☆