WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES -- Standard Holocaust Drama Is Safe but Inspires Nonetheless

Review by Sean Boelman

It’s hard to make a bad movie or show about the Holocaust because these stories tend to speak for themselves; however, it’s also challenging to make a great one because of how high the bar has been set. Hulu’s We Were the Lucky Ones has high production values and an incredible story but never breaks out of the mold of the Holocaust drama to deliver an experience that stands out.

Based on the novel by Georgia Hunter, the show tells the story of a family of Polish Jews during WWII as they are separated from one another and fight to survive and reunite. Inspiring Holocaust stories are a pretty safe bet for a crowd-pleaser, but We Were the Lucky Ones arguably plays it too safe, settling for bland inspiration rather than actually provoking viewers to reflect on the atrocities and devastation they are seeing.

Part of the issue is that the show cannot juggle its multiple storylines. Jumping between the different siblings’ stories could have created a compelling juxtaposition, comparing their various paths to survival; instead, it feels anticlimactic. The structure feels more out of the need to set up cliffhangers than it does any thematic planning.

Of course, as is often the case with shows following this structure, some storylines are more engaging than others. However, what’s unfortunate about this one is that there are even lulls in the individual storylines. Although the periods of (relative) calm are understandable within the context of the story, they aren’t very cinematic, dragging the pacing to a halt.

One of the more noticeable mediocrities of We Were the Lucky Ones is its cast. Joey King and Logan Lerman, the two main stars, are passable, but lack the humanity in their performances that makes this genre resonate. King gets a few flashy moments where she shines, but struggles with the quieter moments in the rest of her role. Surprisingly, the less well-known Henry Lloyd-Hughes is the most impressive of the leading trio when it comes to the subtler parts.

Still, by the time you reach the last episode, you will be unquestionably moved by the level of perseverance these people have shown in the face of adversity. Although the message that love (in this case, of the familiar variety) conquers all isn’t groundbreaking, it’s an important reminder in a time increasingly defined by division and vitriol.

The one area in which We Were the Lucky Ones unequivocally excels is its production values; however, that is the bare minimum for a prestige period drama like this. The production design, costuming, and visual effects are all fairly impressive in how they create the show's setting — especially considering how international it is compared to other entries in the genre.

In most ways, We Were the Lucky Ones is like virtually every other run-of-the-mill Holocaust drama you have seen — for better or worse. It’s certainly moving, although any piece of media that tells a story like this should be; it just puts in the minimum effort to get its emotional response.

We Were the Lucky Ones streams on Hulu beginning March 28 with three episodes, with new episodes streaming subsequent Thursdays. All eight episodes reviewed.

​Rating: 3/5