Slow Horses star Christopher Chung shines in Netflix drama with perfect Rotten Tomatoes score

Netflix’s latest period drama has made an impressive arrival, earning a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score following its release. My Brilliant Career, a six-part Australian adaptation of the celebrated novel, stars Philippa Northeast alongside Slow Horses actor Christopher Chung in a markedly different role from the one familiar to British viewers.

My Brilliant Career arrives on Netflix to critical acclaim

All six episodes of My Brilliant Career are now available on Netflix, bringing Miles Franklin’s classic Australian story to television for a new generation.

The series is based on the 1901 novel by Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin, better known by her pen name Miles Franklin. She wrote the story while still a teenager, initially to entertain friends.

At its centre is Sybylla Melvyn, a young woman struggling against the social expectations placed upon her. While those around her expect her to become a respectable and conventional young lady, Sybylla has ambitions of becoming a writer and pursuing an independent life.

Philippa Northeast, 31, takes the leading role as Sybylla. Australian television audiences may recognise her from Home and Away, where she played Evelyn MacGuire for four years, as well as In Limbo, The Newsreader and Paper Dolls.

Series earns 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating

On its release, My Brilliant Career secured a 100% critics’ score on review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes.

Critic LadyJenevia praised the production, writing: “The sense of humour and boundless empathy of this adaptation, further catapulted by a phenomenal ensemble of performers, make this the best series of the year.”

Australian newspaper The Age said: “At its core, this adaptation carries Sybylla Melvyn’s spirit into 2026, with all the messy charm of its protagonist.”

TV Tonight AU singled out Northeast’s performance for particular praise: “The real star is Philippa Northeast, dazzling in a role which once put Judy Davis on the map. So too should this work. She gives a tour de force in these scenes, crackling with humour, defiance and optimism.”

Christopher Chung swaps Slow Horses for period romance

For UK audiences, one of the adaptation’s most recognisable cast members is Christopher Chung.

The 38-year-old actor is best known for playing Roddy Ho in Apple TV’s acclaimed British spy drama Slow Horses. His new role as eligible bachelor Harry Beecham offers a striking contrast to the abrasive and unconventional character he portrays in the espionage series.

The casting has attracted attention among Slow Horses viewers, with fans reacting to Chung’s transformation into a romantic period-drama lead.

Chung is also expected to return as Roddy Ho when Slow Horses launches its sixth series in September.

Drama follows acclaimed 1979 film adaptation

The Netflix production follows one of the best-known adaptations of Franklin’s novel: the acclaimed 1979 film starring Judy Davis as Sybylla and Sam Neill as Harry.

The film became an important work in Australian cinema and received significant awards recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.

Neill’s portrayal of Harry also came during the early stages of what would become an internationally successful acting career.

Sam Neill sent Christopher Chung message of support

Shortly before the Netflix series was released, Chung revealed that Neill had personally sent him an encouraging message about taking over the role.

“Chris, I want to wish you all the best. You don’t need any luck for this, you’ve got it in hand. I’ve got one tip for you. Out-charm Sybyl,” Neill told him.

Chung responded while dressed as Harry on set, thanking Neill for his support.

“Oh, hey there Sam. It’s Harry Beecham here. I just wanted to say a big thank you for your message and your tremendously wise words about taking on this iconic role, which you made incredibly large shoes to fill. But I’m so pleased that I get to follow in your footsteps.”

Kate Mulvany, who plays Aunt Gus in the television adaptation and was a close friend of Neill, also appeared in the exchange.

Neill later praised Chung in a message, writing: “Well that is very sweet. I am so touched that Chris did that. He looks PERFECT for the role. Hard to imagine after his wonderful slacker in Slow Horses. Which I adore.”

Chung subsequently told Neill, “And what a Brilliant Career you have ❤️,” with Neill responding: “And YOU are the next Harry! MBC.”

The exchange has taken on additional poignancy following Neill’s death aged 78 in July, with fans describing his support for Chung as a touching passing of the baton.

Netflix adaptation gives Australian classic a new audience

More than a century after Franklin’s novel was published, My Brilliant Career is finding another audience through Netflix. Its early critical reception, Northeast’s acclaimed performance and Chung’s transformation from Slow Horses favourite to period-drama leading man have helped give the six-part series a strong start.

For British viewers familiar with Chung as Roddy Ho, the production also offers an opportunity to see the actor in a very different setting, while introducing one of Australia’s best-known literary stories to a wider international audience.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.