Hailee Steinfeld delivers a captivating lead performance in Apple TV+’s Dickinson, a series that blends history with a modern sensibility. The show, which premiered in 2019, follows poet Emily Dickinson’s early life in 19th-century Massachusetts, highlighting her artistic ambitions and personal struggles through a fresh, contemporary lens. Steinfeld’s portrayal is a key reason the series has become one of the streamer’s most acclaimed offerings.
Modernizing the Story of Poet Emily Dickinson
Dickinson reimagines the life of the famous American poet by mixing historical setting with modern language and themes. Set during the poet’s youth, the show focuses on her resistance to societal and familial expectations, including pressure to marry and her secret love for her best friend, who is engaged to her brother. The creator, Alena Smith, designed the series as a modern teen drama transported into a vastly different historical period, allowing for creative liberties such as anachronistic dialogue and a progressive approach to topics like sexual identity and artistic expression.
The combination of period-appropriate visuals with contemporary cultural conversations makes Dickinson stand out among historical dramas. By discarding strict historical accuracy, the show offers a relatable and thoughtful exploration of Emily Dickinson’s life through a 21st-century perspective.
Hailee Steinfeld Brings Depth and Wit to Emily Dickinson
Steinfeld’s performance balances the larger-than-life reputation of Emily Dickinson with relatable human emotions. She conveys the poet’s intellectual brilliance and sharp wit while also portraying her vulnerability—particularly the pain of unrequited love and frustration with societal constraints. This nuanced interpretation helps transform Dickinson from a distant literary figure into a complex young woman navigating her identity and passions.
Her ability to carry the show as its central figure showcases her growth as an actress, adding to an already impressive resume that includes roles in True Grit, Bumblebee, and the Spider-Verse films. Fans of Steinfeld’s diverse work will find this role especially rewarding.
The Cultural Impact and Accessibility of Dickinson on Apple TV+
Currently streaming all three seasons of Dickinson on Apple TV+, the series represents a bold step in redefining period dramas for a modern audience. Steinfeld’s compelling portrayal underscores the show‘s hopeful and thoughtful tone, making it a must-watch for viewers interested in historical figures brought to life with authenticity and relevance.
By reinterpreting a historical icon through a contemporary voice and mindset, Dickinson challenges traditional storytelling methods and invites new conversations around art, identity, and societal change. Its success could inspire similar creative approaches, expanding how history is represented in television.
