The widely-popular novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid has a devoted fan-base who are very loyal to its beloved characters. So when it was announced that a mini-series was to be made based on “Daisy Jones & The Six,” there was much anticipation for the series to live up to the prized book.
The story centres around a fictional band loosely inspired by Fleetwood Mac and their relationship dramas and artistic visions. The stars of the show are Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne, who against all odds team up together with a band known as ‘The Six’ to be the supergroup of the ’70s. The mini-series follows their rise and fall in the music industry. It also follows their personal lives as they deal with heavy topics such as addiction and abandonment of children. However, the series also captures the glamour and freedom of the 1970s, and is very reminiscent of that era. This is especially true with the production design, where the crew shut down parts of Sunset Boulevard so the cast could perform at iconic venues such as The Troubadour.
Riley Keough is a Powerhouse
Even though the mini-series boasts a big ensemble, the main star, Riley Keough, is not overshadowed. She steals the show and holds her own against frontman Billy Dunne (played by Sam Claflin). In the book, Daisy’s a late addition to the band, and it’s a controversial decision to put her name first. The actress that plays Daisy needs to be a powerhouse, and Keough definitely fits that description. Though this is her first time singing on-stage, her presence is natural and she’s convincing as a woman with big dreams who doesn’t want to settle for being someone’s muse. Keough’s musicality is magnetic; when she’s singing it’s hard to believe it’s her first time singing on film. However, her musical roots are strong, with her grandfather being Elvis Presley. Prior, it’s often the only reason Keough’s been known; but with this series, it will propel her career.
The other pivotal character is Billy Dunne, who is played by Claflin. He’s also a person who has big dreams and wants to make something of himself. A lot happens to him in the first three episodes. And near the end, he is seen getting sober after going to rehab. During the height of his fame, the life of drink, drugs, and rock n’ roll has got to him. Like Keough, this is also Claflin’s first time singing on-screen, and his gravely voice is perfect for this era. And with his long hair and all-denim look he looks like he stepped out of the 1970s.
Episode 3 Sets the Stage for the Rest of the Mini-series
Riley Keough in “Daisy Jones & The Six.” (Photo: Amazon Studios).
Another strong character, is Camilla Dunne, Billy’s wife played by Camilla Morrone; she makes the most out of her limited time on-screen. The series centres around the band, not their off-stage relationships. However, their differences do make for some tense scenes where Morrone is able to show her passionate side, as opposed to usual tropes where she would be the passive wife helping her husband pursue his dreams.
The first three episodes have been released, and Episode 3’s end sets up for the rest of the series. It leaves fans eagerly awaiting more as “Daisy Jones & The Six” just showed the first live performance between Daisy and Billy. The first two episodes set the stage of their backstories and how to get to be in Los Angeles, where they will create their magic in the music industry. Hopefully the second half of the series will further showcase this. It might just prove why Daisy Jones & The Six are the greatest fictional band of the 1970s.
Follow us for continuing coverage of “Daisy Jones & The Six” as the series progresses. You can click here for an episode guide with release dates.
