Transatlantic is a seven-part television limited series created by Anna Winger and Daniel Hendler, based on the novel The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer, which is based on the true story of the Emergency Rescue Committee. This is the true story of an American journalist who during the 13 months that he spent in France in the year 1940-41, managed to arrange a safe passage out of France, into America for over 2000 refugees.
The series begins in Marseille in 1940. Varian Fry, a former journalist is working as a part of the Emergency Rescue Committee, an organization that is working to getting the European writers, authors and thinkers out of France before it falls prey to the Nazis. Fry works within the system as he tries to secure legal visas and transport without upsetting the Americans.
To assist Fry in this cause, is Mary Jane, a rich American heiress, who willingly shares her father’s money to help the refugees. She is determined to go to any length to assist those in need. The show is an effective and not a very dark account of the actual circumstances.
The show has been airing on Netflix since 7th April. Though most people who like period drama have liked the show so far, yet serious watchers might argue that the show is too light and the stakes were too high in reality. The show has a bittersweet, classic Hollywood vibe. It’s a binge worthy show!
The cinematography, costumes and the acting of each member of the cast, is worth appreciating and I did learn some things I had no clue about from World War 2.
