It’s as if the show wants to have her character both ways - as a self-focused princess while also being aware of the greater context in which she exists. In the series, she’s painted as an optimistic, semi-politically conscientious youth, willing to remain in jail indefinitely to protect her uncle, who fights against the British occupation.

In the source material, she’s a woman whose focus is so self-centered that it’s to the detriment of everyone in her life, including her sisters and eventually her daughter. The character of Luna, though, makes hardly any sense. Or herself delivers a masterful performance, sure to earn her a place among Israel’s top acting talent.

Let’s start with the titular character herself, Luna, played by newcomer Swell Ariel Or. However, the show provides an interesting case study in distilling what made the book so compelling its attempt delivers mixed results punctuated by moments of brilliance. The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Sarit Yishai-Levi, follows in these footsteps.Īn adaptation of a book doesn’t need to be 100% faithful to the source material at all times. Shows like Shtisel, Fauda, and Tehran have all been brought to the mainstream in recent years, often to great acclaim. Israeli television has been having a moment in the spotlight. There is also a discussion of sexual violence. Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem Season 1 Part 1.

The expanse books wikipedia