The 'We Were the Lucky Ones' Trailer Is an Emotional Ode to Family and Faith
World War II dramas remain a staple of the entertainment industry, from the Oscar-winning film The Zone of Interest to Apple TV+’s hit series Masters of the Air and Peacock’s forthcoming adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Few other time periods encompass so much of the best and worst of the human experience, showing us virtually everything we’re capable of as a species regarding both heroism and horror. However, many of these adaptations are relatively limited in scope, restricting their stories to specific locations or time periods (and many of them occur in and around concentration camps, with all the associated nightmare fuel that implies). The late, lamented Masterpiece drama World on Fire did its best to change that, embracing a sprawling narrative spanning multiple countries and distinct narrative threads. But it was canceled after two seasons, well before it even got to the events of Pearl Harbor. Hulu’s We Were the Lucky Ones appears ready to try something similar, telling the story of a family fighting to find their way back to one another amidst the horrors of war and persecution.
Based on Georgia Hunter’s bestselling novel of the same name, what sets We Were the Lucky Ones apart from many other dramas with similar settings and themes is the sheer breadth of the story it aims to tell. Inspired by the true story of one Jewish family who was separated at the start of World War II, the multigenerational saga follows a dozen major characters across multiple continents over the better part of a decade as they struggle to survive the horrors of persecution and war and make their way back to one another. Yet, despite its dark elements, Hunter’s story is ultimately one of hope and resilience, embracing its themes of family in ways that feel unique to the genre.
Hulu’s adaptation stars Joey King (The Princess) and Logan Lerman (Hunters) as Halina and Addy, respectively, two members of the sprawling Kurc family who live in Radom, Poland before the Nazis invade. Halina is the youngest of the Kurc siblings and the audience’s entry point into the family and its story. Addy is one of Halina’s brothers and the only child of the family who lives in France when the story begins. The character is an adventurous composer and engineer, based on Hunter’s own grandfather.
