New Worlds (2014) User Reviews (7)

stick with it, it gets better

[amita-432-85777 · 7/10 · 1 February 2015]

When I started watching New Worlds it was mostly to see if Jamie Dornan could act his way through a costume epic (which I am happy to say he does admirably) but then I found myself actually getting into the story which is basically a sequel to the mini-series The Devil's Whore.

The action here takes place in the 1680's on two fronts, in England and in the New World, Massachusetts. It's a bit atypical from how the era is depicted which means that the writers did their homework.

It is by nature still a historical drama and at first seems a bit dry until the action gets ratcheted up in England with those outlaws who want to kill the current tyrant king and those feisty Americans in the New World who are feeling more certain that they don't need England holding their hand anymore.

If you can get through the first episode it's well worth it.

The female actors are unfortunately the weakest link in the story, especially the one playing Beth (Freya Mavor), who hooks up with a hot Native American chief. She's just got all the men falling all over her (originally she plays Jamie Dornan's character's love interest in England) and she's kind of, well, yes, she's just terrible.

I recommend fast-forwarding through all the parts with her staring blankly when she is supposed to be actually expressing some level of emotion (which she does not except to make her voice louder).

Otherwise the acting is pretty fair for all participants, though Jeremy Northam as the King is somewhat underused and does a bit of scenery chewing.

The male wigs are dreadful and fortunately Jamie Dornan doesn't have one but does sport an ill-suited mullet that is a little distracting. He has some nice moments here and there getting convincingly beat up, being a bit of a hellion but then ultimately is the only person (besides the poor homely girl Agnes who saves his character and loves him and meets a brutal end) who shows actual depth and emotion. Worth it to watch those baby blues tear up and spill over.

That's me being cheezy so I apologize; if you like historical adventure with good pacing and drama, you will definitely enjoy New Worlds.

some fine TV entertainment

[dragokin · 5/10 · 8 April 2018]

New Worlds won't keep you on the edge of your seat, yet it might be a fine pastime during a coupe of hours.

I wouldn't discuss the historical accuracy of New Worlds since i've perceived it as an adventure without the ambition to describe the era. So we're moving from Old World to New World and follow several interesting characters.

There were moments, though, where i wasn't particularly amused. For example the family in England raising their daughters liberally, albeit in a new age commune style. Then there was inverse Pocahontas story of sorts...

But i'm complaining too much about a show which was nice although far from being great.

History for Twilight fans

[pensman · 2/10 · 22 February 2015]

I'm willing to enjoy a bit of "historical" fiction when it sidesteps history—I get a kick out of the CW's Reign with its prom dress wardrobe—but you really are pushing it when a) a group of Puritan settlers in Massachusetts look like they stepped off the catwalk and b) those same settlers with a handful of almost impossible to load 15th Century firearms not only unload/reload them as it they were hand-held Gatling guns and fight off a hoard of Native Americans who are overrunning the stockade they are using as a fortification. The scenes in Restoration England are a bit better but obviously no one was planning on establishing an accurate period piece. Other than that, there is plenty of blood, treachery, and "fun." Just don't look for an intelligent plot to account for any of the action.

Old fashioned swashbuckling

[ronaeleantrobus · 23 April 2014]

OK,it's not completely gripping,and some of the story lines were clipped a bit thin of time,but hey,I get sick of historical series being turned into no more than characters getting frisky,whilst this series reminded me of the good old fashioned swashbuckling series of old,whilst very aptly showing the moral dilemmas of the age,though for me Beth was a bit of an improbable character,she sort of looks on mildly whilst she's abducted,and watches someone close to her be abducted too with a look that is to say the least bovine.if you are looking for a series that gives you good old entertainment(even includes a scalping,then this is ideal).

New Worlds with Jamie Dornan

[benthebouvier-06905 · 10/10 · 6 March 2022]

I just binge watched this series. It grabs you and keeps you interested all the way through. Jamie Dornan is amazing in it! He's a really great actor.

Whatever happened to Angelica ?

[irisaweber · 3/10 · 3 August 2018]

I really wanted to like this, having watched (and cried my eyes out) over "The Devils Whore" (the worst thing here being the rather unfortunate title...). It sets off 25 years after Angelica loses Sexby, and follows her daughter's life. The change in character of Angelica is, quite frankly, unbelievable - a woman so passionately in life/love becomes sedate, and ends up burnt at the stake over a misrepresentation concerning her last husband??? The daughter is, to all intends and purposes, rather a bit...shall I say, confused. Despite Mr. Dornan doing his thing, most actors here simply cannot hold with John Simm,Andrea Riseborough, Maxine Peake, et al. The script is confused, and, imo, sloppy. Overall very disappointing - could have been wonderful, but was just a chance missed.Stick with the original instalment, and avoid this...it's worse than Cromwell ever could have been.

below average

[symphony78-1 · 3/10 · 12 December 2017]

Wanted to watch it with hoping it will give a glimpse of the colonial times, but it turned to be bad acting, mediocre screenplay. very simple series.