Is ‘Ren Faire’ on HBO Worth Watching? A Review of the Docuseries…
The Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest ren faire in North America, is the focus of the three-part docuseries Ren Faire, directed by Lance Oppenheim. The series delves into the succession battle to take over the festival, founded 50 years ago by George Coulam, also known as “King George.” At 86 years old, King George is ready to retire, prompting two contenders to emerge as potential successors.
One of the frontrunners is Jeff Baldwin, who has dedicated over 40 years to the faire and recently assumed the role of general manager. Described as the “Willy Wonka” of the festival, Jeff’s passion for the event is evident, although his business acumen is not his strongest suit. On the other hand, Louie Migliaccio, known as the “Lord of Corn,” has rapidly expanded his presence at the faire and aims to modernize and grow the festival further with his family’s financial backing.
As the succession drama unfolds, tensions rise between Jeff and Louie, with differing opinions on who is best suited to inherit the festival. Jeff’s wife, Brandi, also plays a role in the unfolding narrative, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The series captures the intense competition and personal dynamics at play as the future of the Texas Renaissance Festival hangs in the balance.
Trailer for Ren Faire: https://www.youtube.com/embed/
Ren Faire offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of a renowned Renaissance festival, showcasing the dedication, ambition, and interpersonal conflicts of those vying for control. With a blend of drama and style, the docuseries presents a compelling narrative driven by intriguing characters and a high-stakes scenario.
The series draws parallels to The Curse, another show executive produced by Josh and Bennie Safdie, despite the scripted nature of the latter. Ren Faire stands out for its immersive storytelling and captivating portrayal of real-life events, making it a must-watch for viewers interested in character-driven narratives and tension-filled storylines.
Trailer for The Curse: https://www.youtube.com/embed/
