The Power of India Amarteifio’s Performance in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
As soon as the Queen Charlotte prequel series was announced, I was on board! (Current!) Queen Charlotte is my second favorite character in Bridgerton and I was excited to learn more about her. As soon as this picture dropped, I just knew we were in good hands.
Below are 6 moments that stood out to me when I watched Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
1. The first strength of India’s performance, is how she expresses Charlotte’s emotions throughout her posture. In this scene in Honeymoon Bliss, Charlotte is subtly swaying side to side. She’s excited, joyful, and extremely nervous. Just a moment before, Charlotte deflected away from George’s compliment “You are breathtaking.” Charlotte already loves George. She yearns for their marriage to work and to know him on a deeper level.
2. The second strength of India’s performance, is her facial expressions. I highlighted this particular moment in Even Days because of how relatable it feels. Charlotte absolutely “hates” George. But that visceral hatred just disappears as soon she sees him. Charlotte is down bad for her husband.
3. The third strength of India’s performance, are her eyes. In this scene in Even Days, Charlotte and George are playing tug of war of who truly has the power and who will break first. Initially, George is winning. He comes into Charlotte’s space and her eyes begin rapidly blinking. His mere presence is making her feel overwhelmed. George appears to delight in it and seemingly taunts her by asking “Shall I leave?” Charlotte shocks him. She takes the power by relaxing her eyes and throwing back at him, “Yes, leave now.” Charlotte tops it off by looking him straight in the eyes after he lets go of her chin. She has the power now. Yet, she doesn’t revel in it. All Charlotte wants is George. For the two of them to finally be on the same wavelength, share that power together, and be happily in love.
4. The fourth strength of India’s performance, is her consistency. Something Charlotte does throughout the show, is caress George’s ears. It’s a subtle and sweet act. Charlotte does it to let George know that she loves and trusts him. It also comforts and reassures them both that no matter what they may face in life as long as they’re together, they will be okay.
5. The fifth strength of India’s performance, is her voice. Charlotte’s natural voice is soft, warm, and jovial. We the audience hear it most when she’s around George, Agatha, Adolphus, and eventually Brimsley. Whenever Charlotte is either in a highly stressful situation or needs to assert herself, she changes the pitch . In this particular scene in Crown Jewels, her voice is lowered. It has an almost cold, distant tone. Charlotte is making it crystal clear to Augusta that George is happy and to no longer interfere. To her surprise, Augusta responds by saying “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Augusta finally recognizes and respects Charlotte as Queen. She understands that Charlotte’s presence in George’s life has made him a happier man and that’s all Augusta wanted for him.
6. The sixth strength of India’s performance, is her dancing. I don’t think any fictional dance scene will ever top this one for me. This was masterfully choreographed and beautifully danced. For me, it is one of the most romantic scenes in the show. It truly encapsulates Charlotte’s promise to George, “I will stand with you between the heavens and the earth. I will tell you where you are.” The dance starts off timid, reflecting George’s anxiousness of possibly failing in front of his subjects and his mother. Throughout their dance, Charlotte supports him. She looks at him to keep him grounded, to remind that no else matters. It’s just George and just Charlotte. Her smile begins to broaden and brighten once she realizes George is starting to come back to her. George eventually flashes a loving smile at her and the dance softens. They are a team. One that is full of love, empathy, compassion, respect, and support.
