“You do love to dance, don't you, Cheyenne?” The first line of Étoile's trailer isn't a whisper—it's a challenge. This isn't Black Swan with a laugh track. It's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in pointe shoes: rapid-fire wit, glamorous chaos, and a plot that swaps dancers like trading cards.
The Palladino Playbook Strikes Again
Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino don't do “subtle.” Their signature—hyper-literate dialogue, kinetic energy—is all over Étoile. But here's the twist: ballet's rigid hierarchy clashes deliciously with their anti-establishment snark. The trailer's standout moment? A deadpan Gideon Glick muttering, “We're not saving the world, we're saving ballet,” as if it's both absurd and vital.
Why It Works:
- Cast Alchemy: Charlotte Gainsbourg as a steely artistic director? Luke Kirby oozing mid-century charm? Oui.
- Dance as Drama: The trailer's montage—bruised feet, Parisian rooftops, a “star swap” that feels like Ocean's 11 in leotards—hints at stakes beyond pliés.
- Language Games: Despite the French title, the dialogue snaps in English. A cheeky middle finger to the “subtitles scare audiences” myth.
Deep Dive: Ballet's TV Curse—and How Étoile Breaks It
Ballet on TV usually means two things: trauma porn (cough Black Swan) or soapy schlock (“Save the recital!”). Étoile sidesteps both by embracing the Palladinos' trademark irony. Compare:
- Flesh and Bone (2015): Gritty, grim, and canceled after one season.
- Tiny Pretty Things (2020): Melodrama with murder.
Étoile? It's “What if The West Wing ran a ballet company?”—equal parts idealism and scheming.
Closer: Bet on the Underdog
Will Étoile pirouette to success or face-plant? Either way, it's a gamble worth watching. As Cheyenne (Lou de Laâge) smirks in the trailer: “Let's see if they can keep up.”
Your Move: Stream Étoile on Prime Video April 24—then argue with us about whether it's genius or chaos in tights.
