The Hulu miniseries Mrs. America narrows the ERA debate to the people who shaped it in the 1970s, spanning nine episodes that balance biography with politics. It centers Gloria Steinem as a steady, strategic mind guiding the story, while Cate Blanchett’s Phyllis Schlafly makes a formidable counterforce.
The ensemble is the show’s backbone. Byrne’s Steinem leads with quiet authority, and Uzo Aduba, Margo Martindale, and Tracey Ullman bring depth to the table. Niecy Nash and Bria Henderson widen the circle, with Elizabeth Banks and others rounding out a starry cast.
Visually, the production leans into era-accurate design, from costumes to production design and a soundtrack that pulses with the time. Editing alternates intimate, personal moments with broader strategic moves, and cameos—like Ruth Bader Ginsburg—feel earned rather than forced.
The show invites viewers to weigh how power shifts within a movement and across factions. Steinem is depicted as a careful strategist who negotiates alliances while acknowledging the movement’s blind spots on race, class, and sexuality; Schlafly is shown as a deliberately crafted foil whose rise still resonates in today’s culture wars.
The performances stand out for their clarity and specificity, letting every character contribute to a nuanced portrait. The cast’s precise timing and textures help the audience feel the era’s tensions.
The performances that drive the drama
The show’s strongest asset is a lineup that treats each figure with specificity: Blanchett’s Schlafly contrasts with Byrne’s Steinem, while the supporting players supply sharp, grounded perspectives that illuminate the era’s fault lines and alliances.
A contemporary resonance
Now streaming on Hulu, Mrs. America pairs compelling storytelling with historical nuance, inviting viewers to rethink a pivotal moment in gender politics. It’s a reminder that progress often travels through contested terrain, shaped by bold leadership and stubborn resistance.
Source: Original article
Source: https://collider.com/rose-byrne-mrs-america-series/
