Slow Horses star’s ‘phenomenal’ Netflix drama scores rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

A steamy new period drama has dropped on Netflix with all six episodes available to binge at once – and we have a feeling this will be our new August obsession.

Not only is the Australian series based on a cherished story, but it also includes Slow Horses breakout star Christopher Chung in the cast, making the transition from rebellious tech whizz to bona fide heartthrob.

My Brilliant Career, starring Philippa Northeast as the lead character Sybylla, is based on the 1901 novel of the same name by author Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin, who was known by her pen name Miles Franklin.

Originally written by Franklin when she was a teenager simply to amuse her friends, the story follows a young girl called Sybylla who’s being pressured to abide by societal expectations to become a prim and proper lady despite her ambitions to become a writer.

The tale was adapted into a film in 1979, starring Judy Davis as the heroine and the late Sam Neill as Harry, a young man who turns her world upside down.

The period drama received critical acclaim at the time, regarded as being one of the most important films in Australian cinema and receiving a plethora of awards, including the Oscar for best costume design.

My Brilliant Career has now been adapted into a series, and on the day of release, it’s already scored a coveted 100% score on the reviews aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

‘The sense of humour and boundless empathy of this adaptation, further catapulted by a phenomenal ensemble of performers, make this the best series of the year,’ critic LadyJenevia shared.     

‘At its core, this adaptation carries Sybylla Melvyn’s spirit into 2026, with all the messy charm of its protagonist,’ The Age wrote in their review, while TV Tonight AU said: ‘The real star is Philippa Northeast, dazzling in a role which once put Judy Davis on the map. So too should this work. She gives a tour de force in these scenes, crackling with humour, defiance and optimism.’

Prior to My Brilliant Career, lead star Northeast, 31, appeared in Home and Away for four years as main character Evelyn MacGuire, as well as starring in the TV shows In Limbo, The Newsreader and Paper Dolls.

Meanwhile, several Slow Horses fans have expressed their shock over seeing Chung – aka Roddy Ho – take on such a drastically different character as the eligible Harry Beecham.

In a post shared on his Instagram shortly before the drama’s release on Netflix, Chung, 38, revealed that Neill had sent him a message of support as he took on the iconic role.

‘This one’s for you, Harry. The OG Harry B 🎀 The iconic Sam Neill,’ the actor wrote in his caption, before sharing a video that Neill sent him, and one that he sent the Jurassic Park actor in response.

‘Chris, I want to wish you all the best. You don’t need any luck for this, you’ve got it in hand. I’ve got one tip for you. Out-charm Sybyl,’ Neill said.

In Chung’s video message reply, which he sent while dressed in costume on set, he said: ‘Oh, hey there Sam. It’s Harry Beecham here. I just wanted to say a big thank you for your message and your tremendously wise words about taking on this iconic role, which you made incredibly large shoes to fill. But I’m so pleased that I get to follow in your footsteps.’

Kate Mulvany, who plays Aunt Gus in the new TV adaptation and was a close friend of Sam Neill’s, also appeared in the video. 

Chung posted a screenshot of a text message Neil sent about him, which read: ‘Well that is very sweet. I am so touched that Chris did that. He looks PERFECT for the role. Hard to imagine after his wonderful slacker in Slow Horses. Which I adore.’

The two Harry actors also shared a sweet Instagram exchange, where Chung wrote: ‘And what a Brilliant Career you have ❤️,’ to which Neill responded: ‘And YOU are the next Harry! MBC.’

In the comments underneath the post, several fans shared how beautiful it was to see the actors’ interaction before Neill’s death aged 78 in July this year.

‘How wonderful to have Sam’s encouragement and support,’ a fan called Tim wrote.

‘This is both beautiful and heartbreaking ❤️,’ Lisa commented, while Shari added: ‘What a legacy and what a beautiful job you did to honour it 🖤.’

My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix.