Kelly Reilly not only turned heads in Yellowstone as Beth Dutton, but she also received widespread critical acclaim. She’s not only a ferociously loyal, fearless daughter and wife, but also a brilliant financial strategist who relies on brutal wit and emotional manipulation to get what she wants. But before she rose to fame in Taylor Sheridan’s niche Western, Reilly played an unforgettably fierce Celtic princess in the Prime Video series Britannia.
The unapologetic historical fantasy series first premiered in January 2018 to favorable ratings. During COVID, it moved to Epix (now MGM+) because the platform partnered with the UK’s Sky network to co-produce seasons 2 and 3, which both earned a perfect score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Disappointingly, the show was canceled after season 3 — on an epic cliffhanger, I might add — but that hasn’t stopped it from remaining the must-see historical fantasy series we didn’t know we craved.
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What is Britannia about?
It’s dark, bold, bloody, and stunningly surreal
The first co-production between Sky UK and Amazon Prime Video, Britannia is a supernatural fantasy series set in the brutal, primitive times of 43 A.D. The story follows the Roman army in their effort to conquer Britain and obliterate the Celtic tribes after Caesar’s failed attempt 90 years prior. However, we quickly learn there’s much more strangeness to this story than its façade of a historical drama.
Its mystical realm is eerie and divine, full of strong, wild, mouthy female warriors and powerful Druids with the unique ability to channel the mysterious mythological forces of the Underworld. It is also fractured, with tribes split by mistrust and at war with one another, while spiritual certainties erode under all the pressure. Amid all the chaos is the reason behind Rome’s desperate endeavor: a prophecy about a Chosen One uniting and saving the war-torn lands from Rome’s grasp.
The heart of this narrative, though, lies with a young girl named Cait (Eleanor Worthington Cox), who survives a Roman raid and winds up under the guidance of the Druids, protecting the exiled Druid Divis (Nikolaj Lie Kaas). Through her journey and experiences, viewers witness the brutality of occupation and the disorienting pull of prophecy. The world around her might be gruesome and rooted in mysticism, but her coming-of-age arc is what grounds us there by giving the series the emotional anchor it needs.
Britannia features a stellar ensemble cast
A mix of exceptional talent leads the must-see series
While Reilly is indeed the biggest name attached to Britannia, she isn’t the only known talent leading the series. David Morrissey (The Walking Dead), Zoë Wanamaker (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda, Ratched), David Bradley (the Harry Potter franchise), Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Angels & Demons), and the highly versatile Mackenzie Crook (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) also star.
Reilly stars as Kerra, a Celtic princess who is as captivating as she is fiery and vulnerable. She embodies the fierce determination of a leader and the emotional depth of someone caught between protecting her people and honoring her family. Leading the tribes along with Princess Kerra is her ruthless rival, Queen Antedia (Wanamaker), who has her own ambitions. Morrissey lends a commanding presence as General Aulus Plautius, a manipulative strategist whose hunger for power is complicated by his unsettling connection to the Druids, which makes him both terrifying and oddly charismatic. Lie Kaas’ portrayal of Divis provides the show’s levity.
Crook gives the most unforgettable performance, though, taking on dual roles as two of the series’ most powerful and disturbing Druids, Veran and Harka, so trust me when I tell you he will infiltrate your awareness and leave you a tad obsessed. He alone channels the eerie atmosphere surrounding the entire show. Later additions like Okonedo, who joins as a high priestess with a hypnotic aura and a chilling hunger for power, only serve to deepen this stellar ensemble cast.
Other shows to watch if you love Britannia
There’s no such thing as too much historical fiction and fantasy
If you’re as big a fan of historical fiction and fantasy series as I am, there are several other must-see sword-and-sandal series to indulge in once you finish with Britannia. While they don’t feature Reilly, they do feature plenty of blood and battle, memorable performances, adrenaline-fueled action, atmospheric tension, and historical lore rooted in both fact and fiction. Each of these shows presents a spectacle for weary eyes, so make sure the shades are drawn and the snacks are nearby.
On Netflix, you can binge Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla, Barbarians, and The Last Kingdom, but buckle up, because you might find yourself pulling some all-nighters. Next, indulge in the Anthony Hopkins-led series Those About to Die on Peacock, or head over to HBO Max for Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and Rome. Fans of the genre will also love Spartacus on Starz, as well as its spin-off, House of Ashur, which was shockingly canceled for reasons that make no sense at all. You’ll also enjoy The Wheel of Time on Prime Video.
Britannia is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and MGM+.
