Kate Winslet's latest HBO miniseries 'The Regime' falls short of golden streak

After winning Emmys for her roles in "Mildred Pierce" and "Mare of Easttown," Kate Winslet could probably star in any HBO series, even one where she reads the phone book. Unfortunately, "The Regime" falls short of expectations, despite Winslet's captivating performance as an autocratic leader.

This political satire, created by writer Will Tracy and directed by Stephen Frears and Jessica Hobbs, fails to hit the mark. Tracy, known for works like "The Menu" and "Succession," along with Frears and Hobbs, whose credits include "The Queen" and "The Crown," seem to rely too heavily on cheap humor instead of delivering the sharp wit they aim for.

Winslet’s Chancellor Elena Vernham is both paranoid and mercurial, leading a fictional country in Central Europe with cobalt mines that attract the attention of representatives from larger nations, such as a US senator (Martha Plimpton), who are concerned about the country's stability and future.

At the start of the story, Vernham's erratic behavior causes discomfort among her ministers, who meet in rooms reminiscent of "Dr. Strangelove." She then befriends a disgraced soldier named Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), who becomes her trusted confidant and constant companion. As Herbert becomes more involved in state affairs, Vernham's leadership and control over her position become increasingly fragile.

Matthias Shoenaerts and Kate Winslet in "Regime."

Matthias Shoenaerts and Kate Winslet in "Regime."

In this six-episode series on HBO, the relationship between Elena and Herbert stands out as particularly odd. It leaves her aide (Andrea Riseborough) and husband (Guillaume Gallienne) puzzled. The ministers, concerned about their own positions, secretly hope that Elena will lose interest in Herbert, suggesting that he is not the first person she has taken under her wing.

Watching an autocracy fall apart from both inside and outside may seem like an interesting concept, with the unchecked power leading to a form of madness. However, the show's focus on eccentricities overshadows the more intellectual elements, making it difficult to appreciate any subtleties.

Elena's decision to turn to someone like Herbert for stability while isolated in a loud and extravagant palace does make some sense. Unfortunately, Herbert's own peculiarities only contribute to the chaos, making it unclear who is truly in control. Even the appearance of Hugh Grant as a rival prisoner does little to elevate the overall quality of the production.

Winslet fully embodies her character with exaggerated accents and sneering dialogue, giving her all to the role. However, despite her dedication, the delusional leader eventually finds herself in need of help, displaying naivety by stating, "No one could refuse my face."

It is understandable that HBO would have a hard time turning down a limited series with such a talented and decorated star at its core. Yet, after watching "The Regime," one might argue that this was an offer they should have passed on.

“The Regime” premieres March 3 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, which, like CNN, is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the shortcomings of "The Regime" despite Kate Winslet's captivating performance. While the political satire boasts an impressive cast and crew, it seems to rely heavily on cheap humor rather than delivering the sharp wit it aims for. The show's focus on eccentricities overshadows the more intellectual elements, making it difficult to appreciate any subtleties.

Despite Winslet's dedication to her role as an autocratic leader, the character's delusional nature and lack of self-awareness ultimately undermine the show's potential. The relationship between Winslet's character and a disgraced soldier further adds to the chaos, making it unclear who is truly in control. While the concept of an autocracy falling apart from within and outside may seem intriguing, the show fails to strike the right balance between humor and intellectual depth.