"Maxton Hall" is based on the German best-selling novel "Save Me" by Kasten Mona. It featured Harriet Herbig-Matten as Ruby Bell and Damian Hardung as James Beaufort. The show had aspects of the book and was dubbed in English, which had readers and viewers in America obsessed.

It consisted of book tropes that brought the show together and created an intriguing watch. This show consisted of six episodes on Amazon Prime Video, with a second season renewed.

Synopsis

Ruby Bell is a student at Maxton Hall on a scholarship. This private school will help her achieve her goal of attending the University of Oxford. While at school, she witnesses a secret between her professor and a student. This brings James Beaufort into the picture as the student is his sister, Lydia (played by Sonja Weißer). James is a conceited heir who is determined to make Ruby silent about his sister and her professor. This determination brings the chemistry between James and Ruby alive.

Highs

The highlight of the show was how well Hardung played the arrogant heir in the role. At first, he displayed an emotionless demeanor, clearly indicating that his goal was to ruin Ruby. His character developed throughout the show into someone completely different from the beginning. This development started after he was suspended from the lacrosse team when his father caused him to spiral. His father Mortimer Beaufort (played by Fedja van Huêthas) had a goal for his children, which is the opposite of what James wanted in life.

Another high was Herbig-Matten's portrayal of Ruby. Her character is this determined young woman who is smart and brave. Ruby believed in her future and in creating opportunities for herself. She does not fit in with the rich students at her school considering she is on a scholarship. The portrayal of Ruby is perfect because of the stubbornness she shows toward James.

The most intriguing aspect of this show was the chemistry between the characters Ruby and James. Their chemistry makes the show; it has the trope of enemies to lovers. The tension between the characters created a slow burn in the show.

The English setting of the show was beautiful, and Maxton Hall has a medieval appearance. The structure of the buildings were breathtaking. There was a ball in the series, for instance, that provided the impression of a prestigious private school, adding to the setting's distinctiveness.

Lows

The show has a few low points. The father had a self-perception and attitude that made him unlikable. His company's reputation mattered more to him than the aspirations of his children. On the other side, although the mother loved her children, she lacked the courage to confront her husband.

Another low was one of the friends of James Beaufort, particularly Cyril Vega (portrayed by Ben Felipe), who lacked empathy and was illiterate. His persona reflected the stereotypical party animal who is unconcerned with his life's ambitions. Though his actions in certain situations were unnecessary, he was an essential character in the show.

Verdict

"Maxton Hall" portrays itself flawlessly and maintains its interest level throughout every episode, with more highs than lows.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

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