Carnival Row is an Amazon Prime original series that takes viewers away from reality into a steampunk fairy-tale world. Set in the city of Burgue, the show dives deep into the depths of a fantasy noir world and the many denizens who inhabit it. Written and produced by René Echevarria and Travis Beacham, with a script by Beacham, Carnival Row has quickly become a fan favorite since its 2019 premiere.
From its mystifying genre, complicated character arcs, and political allegories, this series certainly throws fans for a loop. To unpack all of the components that make up Carnival Row, let’s dive into a show synopsis and uncover the aspects that draw in audiences worldwide.
Unpacking the World of Carnival Row
The Setting
Carnival Row takes place in a mythical and steampunk-influenced universe. In the center lies the fictional city of Burgue, which is a large metropolis with a dark and gritty vibe. Although the city appears medieval and has Victorian-era architecture, there is a definite noir feel to Carnival Row that belies its mechanical clockwork and electric streetlights.
The People
There are three main species that inhabit Carnival Row: humans, fairies, and fauns. All of them either live openly inside the city or are forced to hide in Rüm, the slums. The city of Burgue is a hostile environment for the non-human inhabitants, as the humans bring a hatred of the other species to the forefront. Within the city walls, there is a strict racial divide that encourages discrimination and violence.
The Story
The series follows a human detective and his former lover, a fairy refugee, as they try to unravel a string of brutal murders that all have a connection to the supernatural. As the pair delve into the underworld of supernatural forces and murky government practices, they soon discover a hidden conspiracy that could not only change the city of Burgue but shake the foundation of the world itself.
The Characters
The show’s ensemble cast of characters is one of its strongest aspects. The lead roles are separated into two camps: the light and dark.
The Characters of the Light Side
• Rycroft Philostrate (played by Orlando Bloom) is a human detective and veteran detective who finds himself investigating crime in Carnival Row. He is a loner, but he has a strong sense of justice and loyalty.
• Vignette Stonemoss (played by Cara Delevingne) is a refugee fairy who is seeking freedom in the city of Burgue. She is a courageous and compassionate woman who is determined to make a better life for herself and her people.
• Agreus Astrayon (played by David Gyasi) is a faun immigrant who seeks to gain acceptance and esteem in the city of Burgue. Despite the prejudice of humans, he perseveres with dignity and grace.
The Characters of the Dark Side
• Imogen Spurnrose (played by Tamzin Merchant) is a human aristocrat and bored socialite. She is the daughter of a powerful politician with a need to protect the status quo, which puts her at odds with the other species of Carnival Row.
• Ezra Spurnrose (played by Andrew Gower) is Imogen’s domineering older brother. He has a cruel streak and will do anything to protect his family’s reputation and stay in power.
• Jonah Breakspear (played by Jared Harris) is the powerful and corrupt lord of Burgue. He is a sinister man who will do anything to protect his position and rule over the city he loves.
The Political Allegory
Beyond just its characters, Carnival Row also has a lot to say about politics and society. The show acts as an allegory for the current state of racial tensions, immigration issues, and prejudice. The struggles of the city’s inhabitants to unify, find acceptance, and gain freedom, mirror the issues we still face in the real world even today.
The Wordplay
One of the show’s strengths is its use of language. Referencing classic works of folklore and old tales, the writers of Carnival Row use language as a tool to convey the world and its characters to the audience. Words like panacea (cure-all)and sparrowhawk (mark of power) create an atmosphere that is both familiar and magical at once.
The Steampunk Feel
Carnival Row is a steampunk ensemble piece, straight out of the 19th century or earlier. The show’s characters wear clothes that are both old-fashioned and modern, with Victorian-style frocks and top hats mixed in with modern styles. The sets and locations in Burgue have a similar atmosphere, with cobblestone roads, gas lamps, and turn-of-the-century machinery all set against a backdrop of dilapidated buildings and fog-filled night skies.
The Cinematography
The cinematography of Carnival Row is one of the key elements that helps to bring its otherworldly atmosphere to life. Through the clever use of angles, lighting, shadow, and color, the show’s scenes often evoke a feeling of nostalgia and darkness, two feelings that will become quite intimate to the viewer.
Carnival Row has been a hit for Amazon Prime since its premiere in 2019. From its captivating steampunk feel to its involved world and intriguing characters, the show envelopes viewers in its mysterious noir world. If you want to explore the world of Carnival Row, prepare to be enveloped in a fantastical world, packed with complicated characters and allegories of current societal issues.
