While the Regency era of London in the early 1800s may spark images of chastity and sexual conservatism, the hit Netflix show Bridgerton, set in the same era, makes a thematic choice to explore sexuality and women’s autonomy in its characters. Created by Chris Van Dusen and released on December 25, 2020, Bridgerton follows the plot of the novels written by Julia Quinn. The show follows the “ton” or high society of nineteenth-century London as debutantes are presented to be courted.
In a recent interview, the 26-year-old Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Bridgerton, explained her relation to the character she plays. The show, produced by Shonda Rhimes, featured a steamy sex scene between Phoebe’s character and Simon Basset, played by Regé-Jean Page.
When asked how Dynevor relates to the on-screen Duchess she depicts, she explained the drive and ambition they share as women, working to make a place for themselves in the world. This was Dynevor’s method of tapping into the character of Daphne, where actor and character meet. “There are a lot of differences between me and Daphne,” Dyvenor said. “But I think she values family, which I also value, and at a time when women had only one option, she was as determined to make that happen as I am in my career.”
Dynevor went on to talk about the importance of women defining their lives in their own terms. In a world like Bridgerton, where machismo and masculinity define many social dynamics, a character like Daphne Bridgerton “calling the shots” is an aspect of the character that Dynevor finds admirable.
On the topic of her character’s “sexual evolution,” Dynevor said that she found the sex scene between her character and Regé-Jean Page’s Simon to be an important part of the storyline. Dynevor and the other members of the show’s production wanted to explore this aspect of the character’s dynamic truthfully and safely.
In a time where many people are shuttered indoors and socially isolating, Dynevor hopes that the show can provide a sense of entertainment and escape from the pandemic-dominated world we live in. “Just seeing how much it has impacted people’s lives and people saying on the street, ‘Wow, thank you, we really loved your show,’” Dyvenor said. “Moments like that are really lovely, especially in a time that has been quite difficult for a lot of people.”
Season 1 of Bridgerton can be streamed with a Netflix subscription. Additionally, the show has been renewed for a second season; the release date for season 2 has not yet been released.
