The opening shot of Transatlantic is a slow pan across the bustling Marseille harbor in 1940, the camera lingering on faces filled with desperation and hope. This vivid tableau sets the stage for Netflix‘s latest historical drama, a miniseries that aims to dramatize the heroic efforts of the Emergency Rescue Committee during World War II.

Created by Anna Winger and Daniel Hendler, Transatlantic is based on Julie Orringer’s 2019 novel The Flight Portfolio. The series follows two Americans, Varian Fry (Cory Michael Smith) and Mary Jayne Gold (Gillian Jacobs), as they lead a ragtag team of allies to help artists, writers, and other refugees escape Nazi-occupied Europe. Shot on location in Marseille, the production design is meticulous, with the Hôtel Splendide and Villa Air-Bel beautifully recreated to transport viewers back to the era.

What works best about Transatlantic is its commitment to historical detail and the performances of its ensemble cast. Gillian Jacobs delivers a standout performance as Mary Jayne Gold, bringing a mix of warmth and determination to the role. Jacobs’ portrayal of Gold is nuanced, capturing the character’s resilience and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity. Cory Michael Smith is equally compelling as Varian Fry, embodying the moral complexity of a man burdened by the weight of saving lives. Smith’s performance is particularly noteworthy in scenes where Fry grapples with the ethical dilemmas of his mission, such as when he must decide which refugees to prioritize for rescue.

The supporting cast adds depth and nuance to the story. Corey Stoll as Graham Patterson brings a sense of gravitas to his role as a British diplomat, while Ralph Amoussou as Paul Kandjo delivers a poignant performance as a refugee seeking help from the Committee. The series also features notable appearances by Moritz Bleibtreu as Walter Benjamin and Alexander Fehling as Max Ernst, adding layers of historical authenticity.

The series benefits from its lush cinematography and evocative score by Mike Ladd and David Sztanke. The music, particularly the haunting “Transatlantic Theme,” enhances the emotional resonance of key scenes. The visual composition pays homage to classic Hollywood melodramas, with sweeping shots of Marseille’s landscape and intimate close-ups that highlight the characters’ emotions. The directors, Stéphanie Chuat, Véronique Reymond, and Mia Meyer, skillfully balance the tension of wartime urgency with moments of levity and hope.

However, Transatlantic is not without its flaws. Despite its ambitious scope and strong performances, the series struggles to maintain a consistent pace. Some episodes feel uneven, with narrative threads that meander rather than propel the story forward. For instance, the subplot involving Lisa Fittko (Deleila Piasko) and her husband Hans (Hanno Koffler) adds emotional depth but sometimes feels disconnected from the main storyline.

Additionally, while the historical backdrop is richly depicted, the series occasionally stumbles in its portrayal of certain events and characters. Critics have noted historical inaccuracies that detract from the overall authenticity of the narrative. These inaccuracies are particularly noticeable in scenes where the series takes creative liberties with real-life figures and events.

Moreover, the series’ attempt to blend drama with moments of artsy levity sometimes feels disjointed. While these lighter moments are intended to provide relief from the grim realities of war, they can come across as tone-deaf or out of place. For example, a scene involving a playful interaction between Gold and Fry in a café feels incongruous with the series’ otherwise somber tone.

The series also suffers from a lack of sustained wartime urgency, a criticism noted by several reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes. While the opening shot of Marseille’s harbor effectively sets the stage for the drama to unfold, subsequent episodes often fail to maintain this sense of immediacy and danger. The pacing issues are further exacerbated by the series’ seven-episode structure, which allows for moments of introspection but sometimes at the expense of narrative momentum.

In terms of thematic depth, Transatlantic explores the moral complexities of rescue and survival during wartime. The series delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by the Emergency Rescue Committee, highlighting the difficult choices they must make in order to save as many lives as possible. This exploration of morality is particularly evident in scenes where Fry must decide which refugees to prioritize for rescue, often at great personal cost.

The series also touches on the themes of art and resistance, showcasing the importance of cultural preservation in the face of oppression. The inclusion of well-known artists and scholars, such as Walter Benjamin and André Breton, adds a layer of historical significance to the narrative. These characters serve as reminders of the intellectual and artistic heritage that the Nazis sought to destroy.

Transatlantic is a miniseries that will appeal to fans of historical dramas and those interested in World War II history. Its strong performances, meticulous production design, and evocative score make it a visually sumptuous and emotionally engaging experience. However, its pacing issues, historical inaccuracies, and occasional tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching its full potential.

In conclusion, Transatlantic is a compelling but flawed miniseries that shines thanks to its strong performances and meticulous production design. While it struggles with pacing and historical accuracy, it offers a visually sumptuous and emotionally engaging exploration of a lesser-known chapter of World War II history.