The Count Of Monte Cristo

Overall, this rendition of a timeless classic, inspired by the bones of the great period dramas that have come before, is as painstakingly faithful and exquisitely exciting as you could hope for.

Once Mr. August gets us past his very soft and charmless introduction, his version gains momentum. Especially when Edmond goes to prison.

Incoherence already threatens, because of problème deux: the script. The Count of Monte Cristo requires you to pause it every 45 seconds or so to shake your head at needless utterances such as: “If we can’t get through this storm, we’ll perish.” Some of it is truly unbelievable.