As Claire Foy celebrates her birthday today, let's revisit one of her most iconic works as the young 'Queen Elizabeth II' in Netflix's 'The Crown' and take a look at why her portrayal is so relatable and inspirational for every young woman!
There’s one thing about art, you can have multiple interpretations of it and none of them can be categorically billed as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. These interpretations stem from your perception of the world which is largely shaped by your understanding and experiences of it. However, I feel the biggest determinant of it is also the phase of life you’re in.
You might have enjoyed a movie for its light-hearted scenes, stunning visuals or songs as a kid, but as you revisit them once you’ve grown up, your understanding of the intricacies and complex layers of human stories is also developed. For me, Netflix’s The Crown is one of them. Chronicling the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the show presents how she took over the reins of a declining British empire at a tender age, as a matter of duty not desire.
The first season of the show premiered eight years ago and just like any girl of my age I was drawn to it initially for its visual spectacle and an interest in 20th century history. However, as I grew older and set foot in the real world, my view of the show witnessed an 180-degree change and I could resonate with it as a young career woman.
In a world still debating over the subjects of feminism, patriarchy and ambition, the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, diligently brought to life by Claire Foy in The Crown, offers a powerful mirror to the aspirations and struggles of young women today. Foy’s portrayal, although of a woman in the early 20th century, transcends time as it explores the story of a young leader thrust into immense responsibility within a staunchly patriarchal system.
Her journey of finding her voice, balancing duty with personal commitments, and carrying the weight of expectation resonates deeply and speaks directly to the hearts of ambitious young girls trying to carve their paths in the modern-day era.
Here's why I think so!
Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated world
Elizabeth ascends the throne unexpectedly at the age of 25. This requires her to navigate the complexities of power and duty in an extremely patriarchal environment. She is often shown a sense of disdain by the institutions surrounding her mostly because of her age and gender. Remember her Prime Ministers constantly holding information from her or her uncle, the Duke of Windsor, being assured of her failure?
This is quite a reflection of the challenges ambitious young women face in various industries today where their skills and confidence are often put to the test by the doubting gaze of their colleagues and they often find themselves overwhelmed by the need to prove themselves time and again.
The fight to make themselves heard
Initially, Elizabeth struggles to make her voice heard and exercise her authority owing to her gender and inexperience on the throne and in life in general. Her journey of gradually gaining confidence, learning to make difficult decisions, and standing her ground against powerful male personalities was incredibly inspiring.
Her confrontation scene with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, one of the most respected leaders and the biggest heroes of 20th-century Britain, signaled her powerful transition from a naive young leader to the authoritative Queen who knows exactly who she is and what she represents. Women in leadership roles, no matter the sector, often face similar battles to be heard and respected even today.
Balancing personal life and ambition
Beyond the captivating portrayal of the chronological events, what makes the series engaging is the skillful portrayal of Elizabeth’s inner conflicts when it comes to balancing between duty and family. She feels deeply as a wife, mother, daughter, and sister, but has to often give into the enormity of responsibilities as the Queen. Be it her being away for months on official tours, leaving behind her kids as young as five to six years, or her recurring arguments with her husband Prince Philip - both these aspects find resonance with the modern ambitious women who juggle career aspirations with personal relationships, family expectations, and the desire for a fulfilling personal life.
The compromises and adjustments she makes and the emotional toll it takes over her is a testament that no matter how rich and powerful a woman is, she is often met with the guilt of prioritizing professional over her personal life or vice-versa, unlike a man.
Recognizing inner strength and determination
Foy's portrayal of Elizabeth is an epitome of inner strength and unwavering determination. She isn’t very overtly assertive or loud, but she possesses an inner resilience that allows her to power through the immense pressure of being the head of the state. Her transformation from a timid, mild-mannered girl to becoming the Queen who steadies the war-wrecked ship of Britain serves as a reminder that believing in your inner strength and being determined towards your aspirations is important no matter how small or insignificant you are made to feel at the start of your journey.
Foy’s Elizabeth isn’t perfect
She’s flawed, sometimes wrong in assessments and that makes her deeply human and relatable. Her journey as the newly crowned Queen finding her foot in a male-dominated eco-system speaks directly to women who’ve felt and are trying their best to carry the weight of expectation, whether from family, work, or society. Hence, if you’re drawn to stories of women carving their path through complexity, The Crown with Foy is a standout watch!
Happy Birthday, Claire Foy! Hope your day is as grand and regal as your years on the throne. God save our Queen!
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