Domina Review: Too Much Drama Over Action!

June 17, 2021June 23, 2021 Jennifer Arthur 0 Comments Domina, EPIX, Hollywood, Sky

Domina is a new historical drama produced by Sky Studios and is based on the life of one of the most influential women during the height of the Roman empire. Kasia Smutniak plays Livia Drusilla, a woman who would take destiny into her own hands and rise to become the Empress of Rome and wife of Augustus Ceasar.

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I’m glad they chose to tell her story, however dramatically embellished it may be. She is by far the most memorable of Roman women and one of the very few still venerated today in art and literature. The show did an excellent job of showcasing the cunning and intelligence of Livia, to a point where some might call her deceptive or duplicitous.

I would argue that she had little choice in her actions. There have been many cunning women through the ages, what made Livia powerful was her perceived deference to her husband. Behind the curtains, she was really pulling all the strings.

What I didn’t like about Domina was that it seemed to misrepresent Roman women. While they weren’t exactly seen as equals, they still had freedoms women in other parts of the world did not. Such as the power to hold land, inheritances, and bank accounts in their name. They also had the power to divorce their husbands. The show did, however, showcase the immense influence Roman women had over their husbands, sons, and even brothers.

There are a lot of characters who are all interrelated through blood or marriage, and they all have similar names. It can be a bit confusing if you’re not paying close attention. There’s also quite a bit of poisoning going on but then again, poison has always been said to be a woman’s weapon.

Domina possesses a talented cast. High praise for the outstanding young actress Nadia Parkes playing a young Livia and Smutniak playing the older. The costumes are opulent, and the set, authentic. I found that it suffered some pacing issues towards the last few episodes, but overall I enjoyed this show. I do however believe that it’ll need some more of the action we’ve come to associate Roman-inspired productions with to keep the audience’s attention. Not just political intrigue.