A Lush Period Drama of Secrets, Society, and Change
Hotel Portofino is a British period drama series that premiered in 2022, offering viewers a sun-soaked escape into 1920s Italy. Created and written by Matt Baker, the series follows a British family running a high-end hotel on the Italian Riviera during a time of political tension and social transformation. With its elegant setting, rich characters, and undercurrents of personal and political intrigue, Hotel Portofino delivers a blend of romance, mystery, and class drama in the tradition of shows like Downton Abbey and The Durrells.
The series centers around Bella Ainsworth, portrayed by Natascha McElhone, a strong-willed and compassionate Englishwoman who has relocated to Italy with her family to open a luxury hotel catering to affluent British travelers. Bella strives to maintain high standards while managing her dysfunctional family, difficult guests, and the simmering unrest in fascist Italy. Her husband Cecil, played by Mark Umbers, is a scheming and self-absorbed man with financial troubles and political ambitions. Their children, Lucian and Alice, struggle with their own identities, traumas, and romantic entanglements.
One of the greatest strengths of Hotel Portofino lies in its setting. Filmed on location in the stunning Ligurian coastline, the series is visually captivating, with panoramic views of the sea, lush gardens, and grand architecture. The cinematography captures the opulence and leisure of 1920s aristocracy while contrasting it with the looming shadows of political change. This duality—the beauty of the landscape and the tension of the era—gives the show an emotional complexity that goes beyond surface-level charm.
Bella is the emotional anchor of the series. As a woman managing both business pressures and a troubled marriage, she represents a quiet resilience and moral integrity. Natascha McElhone brings nuance to the role, portraying Bella as a woman caught between personal sacrifice and the pursuit of independence. Her attempts to navigate the hotel’s demands while also protecting her family from scandal and financial ruin provide the narrative with both tension and heart.
The series does not shy away from the political backdrop of the time. Set during the rise of Mussolini’s fascist regime, the show integrates subtle commentary on the dangers of authoritarianism and the impact of nationalism on personal freedoms. This historical context adds a layer of depth, giving Hotel Portofino a unique place among period dramas that often avoid direct political engagement.
Hotel Portofino also explores themes of class, gender, sexuality, and tradition. The hotel guests bring their own secrets and scandals, from forbidden romances to hidden agendas, echoing the classic upstairs-downstairs dynamics of British drama. Meanwhile, the Italian locals, including members of the staff, provide additional perspectives on the cultural clash between the British elite and the Italian working class.
In conclusion, Hotel Portofino is a visually rich and emotionally engaging series that combines the escapism of a Riviera resort with the gravity of historical change. With its layered characters, slow-burn storytelling, and atmospheric setting, the show appeals to fans of intelligent period dramas that balance elegance with substance.
