The Amazon series – a teen romance made in Germany – leans on tried-and-true narratives, evoking the love stories of the early 2000s.

Maxton Hall: A School of Prestige

Maxton Hall is a prestigious high school, predominantly attended by the offspring of wealthy families. Those who cannot afford the expensive education must rely on scholarships. Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten), an ambitious girl from humble beginnings, is one such scholarship recipient. Her greatest dream is to study at Oxford. Ruby navigates the microcosm of privileged trust fund kids, with the world of the super-rich shown primarily through her perspective.

The Drama of “Maxton Hall”

The drama plays on the yearning many young people have for a fairy tale romance. Ruby’s strategy is to attract as little attention as possible, focusing solely on her studies. However, her plan falls apart when she stumbles upon a scandalous secret involving the wealthy Beaufort family. James Beaufort (Damian Hardung), the arrogant heir, is determined to silence her. Yet, Ruby’s integrity makes her immune to bribery. Initially, the two despise each other, but their enmity slowly turns into a passionate romance.

Familiar Narratives

The plot of “Maxton Hall – Die Welt zwischen uns” can be summarized as: a rich boy and a poor, ambitious girl fall in love. The series, based on Mona Kasten’s novel trilogy, employs familiar tropes and does not shy away from cliché characters: the haughty rich boy, the diligent scholar, the wealthy but neglectful father, the overlooked sister, and so on. These stereotypes are rarely subverted throughout the story. However, this straightforward characterization has not hindered the show’s success, likely because these archetypes have been compelling since the days of fairy tales.

A Modern Fairy Tale

Set in the context of an English elite school, the series may feel somewhat anachronistic for a German-language production, reminiscent of period films like “Napoleon” (2023), where there is a noticeable gap between language and setting. The English setting might have been chosen to highlight the social divide in education, which is a significant part of the story.

The Appeal of “Maxton Hall”

Ignoring this incongruity, “Maxton Hall” captivates with its sentimental love story that bridges class differences. This is the key to its success, evoking early 2000s Nicolas Sparks-esque romance films. In today’s cinematic landscape, which is dominated by dark comedies, biopics, and high-budget epics, a sweet teen romance is a refreshing change. The drama taps into the desire many young people have for a prince or princess charming. Tellingly, the first book of the series is titled “Save Me,” indicating that rescue is a central theme. Ruby inspires James to carve his own path and defy his parents’ expectations, helping him overcome a childhood trauma. So, the story features not only a damsel but also a young man in distress.

Binge-Worthy but Light

While the series is laden with clichés and centers on an ostensibly impossible love, it is not entirely modern and lends itself more to casual binge-watching. “Maxton Hall” excels formally with alternating voice-overs, appealing cinematography, and a suitable narrative pace. Lead actors Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung perform well in their stereotyped roles, navigating through dramatic dialogues and interactions across the six episodes.

For Fans of Classic Romance

If you’re in the mood for a love drama in the vein of Nicolas Sparks, this teen romance made in Germany is worth your time. However, if you prefer more reflective fairy tales in series format, you might want to check out Netflix’s period piece “Bridgerton” (2020).