Review “The Brief Life”
The historical comedy miniseries “The Brief Life” has just premiered. Created by Cristóbal Garrido and Adolfo Valor, it follows the life of young monarch Luis I during his short reign, which lasted only 229 days.
The historical comedy miniseries “The Brief Life” has just premiered. Created by Cristóbal Garrido and Adolfo Valor, it follows the life of young monarch Luis I during his short reign, which lasted only 229 days. The series recreates historical events with a great dose of humor; a hilarious script and an engaging pace make this an exceptional show.
“The Brief Life” tells the story of Spain’s shortest-reigning king, Luis I (Carlos Scholz), bringing to life key events from his rule, including his marriage to his French cousin Luisa Isabel de Orléans (Alicia Armenteros), the conspiracies of Queen Isabel Farnese (Leonor Watling), and the instability of his father, Philip V (Javier Gutiérrez), marked by visions and delusions, among many other intrigues.
Actor Carlos Scholz as Luis I in a scene from the series “The Brief Life.” EFE/ Movistar+
With just six episodes, each only half an hour long, this original Movistar Plus+ series is witty, refreshing, and entertaining—unlike anything you've seen before. The show makes you empathize with each character’s personal struggles, fully immersing you in the story. It’s important to note that this is not just another historical documentary about the Spanish monarchy—it’s something much better.
Packed with sharp satire on modern Spain and a clever approach to storytelling, this miniseries will leave you wishing each episode lasted longer. What’s truly remarkable is how Cristóbal Garrido and Adolfo Valor creatively bridge the 18th and 21st centuries. While staying true to key historical events, period settings, and costumes, they reimagine the characters through a contemporary lens, blending modern tropes and slang seamlessly into the narrative.
This bold, boundary-pushing social and political critique stands out for its originality. The writing is sharp, and the affection both creators have for telling the story of one of Spain’s most forgotten monarchs is evident in every scene.
Actors Leonor Watling, Carlos Scholz, Alicia Armenteros, and Javier Gutiérrez at the premiere of the series “The Brief Life” this Monday in Madrid. EFE/Kiko Huesca.
On top of everything, the casting choices in “The Brief Life” make the series even more spectacular. Leonor Watling (Talk to Her, Unauthorized Living) delivers yet another grand performance, effortlessly embodying the complexity of her character—a woman of strong will and great ambition. Likewise, it’s no surprise that the brilliant Javier Gutiérrez (Champions, Marshland), a two-time Goya winner, masterfully brings to life such a peculiar and extravagant figure.
As an added bonus, the series features a fantastic ensemble of supporting characters who bring just as much charm and wit to every scene. Notable performances include Claudia Traisac, Pepe Viyuela, Lalachus, Marta Hazas, and Eric Masip, all of whom contribute to the show's irresistible energy.
