Set during the mid 1800s in the English countryside, Bridgerton tells the story of multiple different relationships. The series has classic storylines and tropes such as, fake dating in season one, enemies to lovers in season two, friends to lovers in season three and the classic cinderella story in season four.
Season four leans into the Regency-era world, covering London’s social sphere and the charm of the English countryside. This contrast that the directors set up works excellently. They successfully make London feel like a high-pressure area, but the countryside scenes feel more calm and emphasizes the longing felt by the characters.
The new season contains a new romantic arc that combines slow burning tension with the emotional closure that trends in the previous seasons. As the new social season begins and heightens, buried feelings from the main characters start to come to light. This season’s storyline focuses just enough on the main relationship while still leaving enough room for the gossip and pressure that intrigues viewers.
The directors did an excellent job with the song selection for the scenes. In order to maintain the show’s historic accuracy while still engaging younger audiences, they use string covers of currently trending songs. This season’s song selection seems to be more intentional with the song choices putting more emphasis on the emotions in the scenes.
Yerin Ha, the actress who plays the main love interest in season four, delivers a powerful performance. Her micro-expressions during the emotionally intensive scenes project her emotions onto the viewers. As the social season moves forward, new friendships, uncovered emotions and familial expectations all combine, which gives her character more chances to shine.
The set design is once again spectacular. They include London ballrooms with chandeliers and floral arrangements that look too extra to be real. The countryside estates shown in the season, such as ‘My Cottage’ are equally as beautiful and detailed. The beautiful gardens that seem as if they are endless, the interiors that feel lived in, down to the detailed decorations on the walls are all beautifully combined to create the immersive experience that is Bridgerton.
The costumes are just as important as the set, they remain one of the show’s most recognizable elements. They are not completely historically accurate, however, that was an intentional decision. The colors are brighter, the silhouettes of the dresses are more modernized and the fabric has a shimmer to it that was rare in Regency fashion.
The creative liberties that were given to the costume designers were very successful. The wardrobe tells the story as much as the actual performance does. The clothing on its own shows who is powerful, who is hiding things and even who is rebellious.
This is one of Bridgerton’s strongest seasons. It feels more intentional and grounded compared to the others. The romance is compelling and intriguing, the actors and actresses performances are beautifully layered and the set and costumes are outstanding. Season four of Bridgerton successfully sets the standard for period dramas with modern twists.
