Hulu’s We Were the Lucky Ones: An Unrelenting Portrayal of Hope Amidst the Horrors of War

Hulu’s latest historical drama, We Were the Lucky Ones, premiered on March 28, 2024, offering a gripping portrayal of a Jewish family’s perseverance during World War II and the Holocaust. The limited series, inspired by the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Georgia Hunter, depicts the harrowing journey of the Kurc family as they face persecution, separation, and the fight to survive and reunite.

The eight-episode series opens with a peaceful portrayal of the Kurcs’ pre-war life in Radom, Poland, introducing viewers to siblings Halina, Addy, Genek, Jakub, and Mila, along with their parents, Sol and Nechuma. The family’s harmonious existence, protected from the rising antisemitism in the country, is soon shattered by the onset of World War II. As Hitler’s forces intensify the persecution of European Jewry, the Kurcs are forced into hiding, concentration camps, and desperate bids for escape.

Joey King, fresh from her critical acclaim in The Kissing Booth franchise, stars as Halina Kurc, the youngest sibling determined to survive and find her family. Logan Lerman portrays Addy Kurc, Halina’s brother, who escapes to Paris in pursuit of a musical career. The talented cast also includes Hadas Yaron, Henry-Lloyd Hughes, Amit Rahav, and Lior Ashkenazi as key family members torn apart by the war.

Erica Lipez, showrunner and executive producer, along with director Thomas Kail, has crafted a sensitively told story that strikes a delicate balance between harrowing depictions of wartime horrors and the enduring power of hope. The series has been praised for its tear-inducing and life-affirming narrative, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit amidst the darkest circumstances.

Rotten Tomatoes has reported a 100% approval rating for the series, with critics lauding it as both harrowing and rewarding viewing. The historical accuracy and powerful storytelling have been commended, building upon the success of recent Holocaust-themed productions while adding a unique perspective.

We Were the Lucky Ones tackles the traumatic events of the Holocaust through the lens of a family’s unwavering devotion and the enduring hope that sustains them. With episodes launching weekly, the series promises to be a must-watch addition to Hulu’s spring lineup and is well on its way to achieving critical acclaim.

The series continues the trend of high-quality, thought-provoking television shows exploring the impact of World War II and the Holocaust on ordinary lives, ensuring that such historical atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated.

New episodes of We Were The Lucky Ones drop on Hulu on Thursdays until May 2, 2024.