We Were the Lucky Ones Review

Don’t give up hope. We can make it through this together.

We Were the Lucky Ones is a 2024 Hulu series based on Georgia Hunter’s accounts of the Kurc family’s harrowing experience during the holocaust. The series follows the Kurcs as the events of the war and the Holocaust tear families apart.

Stories are so important. Without them, we wouldn’t have tales from events, like the holocaust. Media exists to showcase the upsetting events so generations will never forget. We Were the Lucky Ones embarks on a powerful and emotional journey of a real family who survived this traumatizing event.

Joey King was the reason why I wanted to watch the series. She is the most memorable part. Watching her as a child actress in Ramona and growing into an incredible actress has been amazing. King accomplishes grueling emotions. Halina Kurc is always up for a battle even when she is losing. She deserves recognition for her amazing performance.

The series also stars Logan Lerman as Addy Kurc. Lerman has had an accomplished career from a young age, like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Percy Jackson. With his background, I was not expecting Lerman in this series. Like King, Lurman is another standout in the series.

The cast did a remarkable job with sensitive subject matter like this. Jewish actors were cast in the parts out of respect and authenticity. Hadas Yaran, Robin Wiegert, Lior Ashkenazi, Amit Rahov, and Eva Feilor achieved stellar performances. Everyone did a remarkable job, especially manifesting difficult emotions in sad situations.

I have always had a deep interest in the Holocaust. There are so many stories that have transpired from it. Series like this are why we keep telling stories. The holocaust reflects a horrible nightmare in history that we cannot ignore.

Erica Lipez’s direction successfully ventured into a serious subject matter, paying respects to the real family. She abode close attention to detail that honors its historical setting. Lipez’s direction ensures that the series is not just a recounting of events but a deep exploration of the human spirit.

The narrative is carefully paced. Sometimes, the series is overwhelming in the depictions of war and holocaust camps, but Lipez grounded moments of humor. Lipez skillfully balances scenes of intense emotion by providing uplifting moments that make it worth watching.

The production team should not go unnoticed, helping immerse viewers in the historical era. The resounding music that Thomas Bryla and Paul Campbell orchestrated is a poignant theme. The remarkable research efforts made are another gratifying highlight of the series. Filming took place in Bucharest, Romania, and areas in Spain.

The makeup and costumes department also deserves praise for their roles. British costume designer Lisa Duncan borrowed the character's 1930s and 1940s wardrobe pieces. The actors noted how the costumes helped get bearings of their characters.

Be aware that We Were the Lucky Ones is not a lighthearted series. The concept is sad, occupying serious subject matter and disturbing scenes. It’s not an easy watch, depicting difficult scenes in concentration camps, death, and other emotional sequences.

Despite the discouraging events, the cast was honored to be in We Were the Lucky Ones. They ensured that the story remained true and compelling. They enjoyed filming scenes together and traveling in Romania.

Take a look at We Were the Lucky Ones on Hulu. This is an important series talk about, especially anyone who experienced the holocaust. I couldn’t stop watching after episode one. Each episode ends on a suspenseful note and the conclusion makes it worth the watch.