Anne With An E

Synopsis

“Anne With An E” is a reimagining of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel, “Anne of Green Gables.” The story revolves around Anne Shirley, an imaginative and outspoken orphan who’s mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, elderly siblings who initially wanted to adopt a boy to help with their farm in Avonlea. The series beautifully captures Anne’s adventures and misadventures as she navigates the challenges of adolescence and seeks acceptance and love.

Main Characters

• Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty): The spirited, red-haired orphan with a vivid imagination and a passion for dramatics. Despite her traumatic past, Anne’s resilience and optimism are contagious.
• Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James): The stern and practical elder sister who becomes Anne’s guardian. She struggles with showing affection but deeply cares for Anne.
• Matthew Cuthbert (R.H. Thomson): Marilla’s soft-spoken brother, who quickly forms a close bond with Anne. He’s often her most significant supporter in the household.

Themes

While staying true to the core themes of the original novel — such as family, friendship, and self-acceptance — “Anne With An E” delves into darker and more mature subject matter. It addresses issues like trauma, prejudice, gender equality, and the struggles of the indigenous community. The show not only depicts Anne’s individual growth but also touches upon the societal shifts happening in the backdrop of the late 19th century.

Critical Consensus and Rating

“Anne With An E” holds a solid 4 out of 5. Critics have lauded its ability to balance the innocence and charm of Montgomery’s original work while weaving in contemporary issues, giving the story a fresh and relevant spin. The performances, especially by McNulty, have been widely praised. However, purists of the original novel found some of the changes too drastic or unnecessary.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating

The show carries a TV-PG rating, indicating that it may be unsuitable for younger children due to its mature themes and some scenes that touch upon Anne’s traumatic past.

Network and Years

“Anne With An E” was produced for CBC Television and aired from 2017 to 2019. It also gained international viewership through Netflix.

Recommendations

If you appreciated “Anne With An E,” you might also enjoy:

1. “Little Women” (2017 miniseries)
2. “When Calls the Heart”
3. “Green Gables Fables” (web series)
4. “Call the Midwife“
5. “The Durrells”