Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lackluster historical docuseries; suicide, violent deaths.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Queen Cleopatra
What's the Story?
In 51 BC, QUEEN CLEOPATRA begins her reign as queen of Egypt and the last of the Ptolemaic dynasty, but as students of history may know, her life will hardly be a peaceful one. Using historical facts related by classics scholars with live-action reenactments of events from Cleopatra's life starring Adele James, this documentary series presents a retelling of Cleopatra's notorious saga.
Is It Any Good?
Tracing a life story that's been told many times in many ways, this documentary covers a fascinating historical period but the script and acting aren't up to the source material. The best parts of Queen Cleopatra are when academics appear on the screen to explain incidents in Cleopatra's life (which is unusual, because that's sometimes when the life goes out of a documentary). Clearly enthralled by what they know about the life and times of Cleopatra, these magnetic scholars explain details with impressive economy, quickly ensnaring us into the story of this vivid historical ruler. And then it's time for another unsettling reenactment.
Adele James comes off best. With her glowing eyes outlined in glittery (and yes, period-correct) eye paint and kohl, she's a strong screen presence at the center of the action. But the actors she's surrounded with seem so uncomfortable, and their dialogue is so stilted, as well as studded with distracting anachronisms: The characters say "yeah" and "OK" at regular intervals. As the series progresses, budget limitations start to show as well, with thin background casts and scenes that rush from one historical event to another. It's interesting to see history brought to life, but Queen Cleopatra's lack of artfulness mars its impact.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this documentary series received some backlash for asserting that Cleopatra was a Black woman, and casting a dark-skinned actor in the role. Did Queen Cleopatra make a case for their assertion and casting? Is the actor's race or the race of the historical figure Cleopatra important to this narrative? Why or why not?
Anachronisms are visual or other elements of a movie/show that don't fit in with the time period in which the movie/show is set. What anachronisms, if any, exist in Queen Cleopatra? Are there any anachronisms in dialogue?
The life of Cleopatra has been depicted many times. Have you seen any other Cleopatra stories? How were they alike or different from this version?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 10, 2023
- Cast : Adele James , Craig Russell , Nada El Belkasmi
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
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