Prime Video’s ‘Étoile’ Is the New Must-Watch Show for Ballet Lovers

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It seems that Prime Video may not have intentionally sought its own version of “Emily in Paris,” but it appears to have stumbled upon it with the new series “Étoile.” This show offers a luxurious, whimsical escape, but instead of focusing on high fashion, the world of ballet takes center stage. The creative husband-and-wife team behind “Gilmore Girls” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, have returned with a captivating comedy-drama that bears their unique style. With an upbeat theme tune produced by Thomas Bangalter (Daft Punk), Simon Callow delivering a delightfully villainous role, and some surprising cameos, there’s no lack of entertainment in “Étoile.

In the show titled Étoile (star), the art world is grappling with hardships, particularly post-pandemic. It’s woefully underfunded, and selling tickets isn’t easy. Despite this, numerous intricate subplots and captivating characters keep viewers hooked. Although an affinity for dance may be beneficial, the scarcity of ballet-centric television makes this peek behind the stage curtains even more precious. The series spans between New York and Paris, with every lavish detail carefully crafted, making production costly. However, it’s a worthy investment — and worth your viewing time.

Familiar and Fresh Faces Make up the Ensemble

In Étoile, Amy and Daniel Palladino have brought together a diverse group of talented actors. Luke Kirby, known for Mrs. Maisel, takes on the role of Jack McMillan, the director of the Metropolitan Ballet, while Charlotte Gainsbourg stars as Geneviève Lavigne, leader of the Paris National Ballet. The duo face numerous challenges, one of which involves Simon Callow’s character Crispin Shamblee, a formidable adversary. Callow’s frequent collaborator David Haig, whom you may recognize from Four Weddings and a Funeral, appears as Nicholas Leutwylek, an old-school artistic director who can be both inappropriate yet endearing.

Lou de Laâge’s character Cheyenne Toussaint is an eco-conscious ballerina who is unwillingly moved to New York. Unyielding in her ways, she introduces a powerful spin to the prima ballerina role. She insists on having another wild spirit as her dance partner, and that role is filled by Gael Rodriguez, portrayed by David Alvarez from Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Ivan du Pontavice takes on the part of an ambitious young dancer in the corps de ballet who gradually teams up with a somewhat unconventional choreographer, Tobin Vell, played exceptionally well by Gideon Click. Additionally, Yanic Truesdale, best known as Michel from Gilmore Girls, assumes the role of the artistic director at the Paris Opera.

Additionally, notable performances include Marie Berto portraying Bruna as the firm and caring mother figure who adopts a foundling child, similar to Cheyenne. Moreover, Taïs Vinolo’s Mishi also leaves an impactful mark. Incredibly, you might find music legends Sparks and David Byrne of Talking Heads making appearances in this production as well!

The Palladinos’ Golden Touch

The movie “Étoile” explores the intertwining tales of two cash-strapped ballet troupes: one based in New York and another in Paris, filmed at the Lincoln Center and Palais Garnier respectively. In an attempt to rejuvenate their fortunes, these companies consider a daring swap of their star dancers, aiming to reignite interest in ballet. However, this exchange is not without conditions: it’s financed by Crispin Shamblee, a man with a shady past. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself empathizing with all characters involved, despite their love triangles, creative disputes, and themes of life, scarcity, self-discovery, and resilience amidst harsh critiques. The captivating narrative, masterfully crafted by the Palladinos, takes numerous unexpected turns, leaving you rooting for everyone except the unsavory Shamblee. It’s as if enchantment or the skill of the Palladinos is at work here.

In every establishment, the incorporation of professional dancers is truly captivating. Choreographed by Marguerite Derricks from Maisel, their graceful moves and real dance scenes demonstrate Amy Sherman-Palladino’s deep appreciation for the art as a trained dancer. The final sequences offer a glimpse into the dancers’ actual rehearsals. As she explained to The New York Times, “Our aim was to convey that ballet isn’t exclusive. It’s a means of storytelling; it requires athleticism and power; it evokes strong emotions and takes you somewhere. Ballet is a magnificent, dynamic art form.

From Catwalks to Center Stage

What makes everyone draw the obvious comparisons to “Emily in Paris”? It’s not only the setting – the Étoile is equally stylish in its design, costumes, and cinematography. It provides an opportunity for us to leap into another world and enjoy the glamorous unfolding of events. Like “Gilmore Girls,” the Palladinos’ humor is swift, dry, and brimming with witty one-liners. For instance, when Toussaint keeps saying she’ll put her drinks on tab, a bartender continually replies off-screen that they don’t have tabs.

In this visual spectacle, there’s a hidden humor in scenes that aren’t the main event, such as the botched curtain call and Shamblee’s disguised bodyguards. The dialogue is filled with clever winks to popular culture, from a nod to “Fame” (with a tribute scene at the start) to the inclusion of “Emily in Paris.” Additionally, the music throughout, from the opening Sons of Raphael theme “Nights Are For Love” to the end of each episode, is top-notch, featuring hits like “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, “Cosmic Dancer” by T. Rex, and, not forgetting, Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime,” with Sparks performing live in the climactic emotional dance number “I Married Myself.

The final episode of the eight-part series has intentionally left some questions unanswered, ensuring a return for another season on Amazon Prime Video. The show Étoile provides viewers with an in-depth and captivating exploration of the mesmerizing yet lesser-known world of ballet.

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2025-05-05 01:21