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The Regime (trailer: runtime 2:13) is a modern parody of authoritarianism and its leaders. Somewhere in “Middle Europe,” Chancellor Elena (Kate Winslet) — a cross between Greta Garbo and a blonde dominatrix — runs an authoritarian regime. Like most regimes of this sort, she rules behind the screen and uses phrases such as “I bless you all, and I bless our love. Always,” a removal — or satire — of the rhetoric used by iron-fisted leaders.

And like most authoritarian heads of state, she is paranoid…of mold, which is ironic as she was a doctor by profession. Enter Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a corporal sporting an Eastern European accent (Winslet’s Elena speaks RP English with a soft lisp) named ‘The Butcher’ on account of his actions killing protestors opposed to her regime. As a reward for his good work, he acts as a sort of ‘mold’ security — walking ahead of her to check the air should the humidity increase and put the chancellor at risk.

The Butcher becomes her confidante and closest advisor. Elena and Herbert start to get closer as he exposes her to his parochial nationalist sentiments eventually becoming her confidante and source of advice. This comes as her ministers try to win her favor to avoid the risk of disappearing should she feel displeased by them.

There’s only one episode out so far, but we’re already hooked. Kate Winslet is brilliant — there has already been chatter about her character being based on current totalitarian leaders. But we’ll leave you to judge. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens in the next five episodes that will drop each coming Sunday.

Acting aside, the set design was impressive. Every scene and every room is riddled with details that scream easter eggs and bring everything together to sell the story. The palace, while in the process of a deep clean — courtesy of Elena’s fear of fungus — delivers grandiosity that is enjoyable to behold despite the entire episode being shot inside the palace.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can see The Regime on OSN+.

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