Queenie

The series brings to life its themes of identity and self-worth, expands on its plot (with a new potential love interest) and, more than anything, engages from the outset thanks to Dionne Brown, who is terrific in the lead role.

The series, with Carty-Williams attached as showrunner, makes an immediate good impression, thanks to the realism of its mise-en-scène and especially for a phenomenal Dionne Brown, in her first major role.

Queenie has some equally funny and dramatic moments in its first episode, and Dionne Brown handles both sides of her character well.

Brown’s performance aside, the Jenkins are Queenie’s greatest asset—a loving family who drive each other crazy in ways both universal and specific.

“Queenie” can feel “young adult” instead of young and adult, but the flip is that the show is never a miserable slog through trauma and degradation. It’s smart, poppy and fun — critical, but not cynical.

I’m not sure the show, which was created by Carty-Williams, needs to bring us into therapy with Queenie; like the voiceover, it feels a bit like a cheat, a way to spell out her issues rather than simply show them. But it’s far from a deal-breaker. Brown carries the show with a strong realism and a quiet reactivity.

Pacing quibbles aside, though, Queenie is that rare thing: an adaptation that’s sure to be as beloved as the book that inspired it.

As a character study Queenie is first-rate. As a drama, you only wish it pushed things further.

The way it is told – with dry humour and sexual frankness – feels a bit too familiar. What validates Queenie’s existence in the pantheon of TV’s flawed female leads is Brown’s star quality, Carty-Williams’ sharp observations and the show’s joyful love letter to south London. On screen, Queenie is as real as she was on the page.

Even as a few characters feel underdeveloped and some of the drama here feels a little forced, there is a lot to enjoy about Queenie. And many of the actors seem to bring their full hearts into their roles.

The series attempts to capture the essence of Black womanhood with honesty and authenticity. At times it does, but ultimately, it delivers a rushed, light-hearted story of self-discovery that does not fully explore Queenie’s journey. But fear not, Queenie is still an enjoyable watch, offering moments of laughter and reflection on one’s place in the world.

The most charming thing about the half-hour Hulu drama is how much care and compassion it holds for its heroine, no matter how disastrous or self-destructive her choices get — or how occasionally uneven its storytelling becomes.

There are weaknesses (even with Sally Phillips playing the editor, Queenie’s media workplace is too sketchily drawn), but this is nicely honed television not without bite.

Brown does a decent job with what she’s given. But when her character’s name is the title, it’s around Queenie that everything revolves and with a weak central figure, that’s too much time is spent on her.