unshaven armpits

Beyond the Razor: Why Period Dramas Are Rethinking Historical Authenticity

For decades, the standard for period dramas has been a polished, airbrushed aesthetic. From Regency-era romances to Victorian gothic thrillers, lead actresses have consistently appeared with modern-day grooming standards—flawless skin, perfectly arched brows, and, notably, a complete lack of body hair. However, a recent shift in creative direction is challenging these “eel-like” expectations.

Director Emerald Fennell recently sparked a conversation by admitting she regrets cutting a scene from her 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The scene featured Margot Robbie’s character, Catherine Earnshaw, with unshaven armpits. For Fennell, this wasn’t just a stylistic choice; it was an attempt to reclaim historical reality in a genre often criticized for glossing over the grit of the past.

The “Hairless” Problem in Historical Fiction

Fennell’s critique of the “hairless” trope highlights a growing tension between cinematic beauty standards and historical accuracy. In her view, seeing 19th-century characters with modern grooming habits is a jarring anachronism. While hair removal techniques, such as rudimentary creams or plucking, existed for centuries, they were largely the domain of the ultra-wealthy. The safety razor, as noted by Gillette UK, did not become a household staple for women until the early 20th century, decades after Emily Brontë penned her masterpiece.

Shifting Trends: From Glossy to Gritty

The movement toward “authentic imperfections” is not limited to body hair. Audiences are increasingly demanding more realism in costume design, makeup, and even the physical environments of period pieces. This shift is part of a broader trend in entertainment where viewers prefer “lived-in” worlds over sanitized stage sets.

• Costume Realism: Moving away from bright, modern fabrics toward period-accurate textiles and worn-in garments.
• Natural Beauty: A rejection of heavy, modern contouring in favor of period-appropriate aesthetics.
• Narrative Deviance: As seen in Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, directors are increasingly prioritizing the “emotional truth” of a story over a rigid, frame-by-frame adaptation of the source text.

Why Authenticity Drives Engagement

Why does this matter to the average viewer? Modern audiences are highly media-literate. When a production breaks the “fourth wall” of historical immersion through poor research or modern beauty standards, it can pull the viewer out of the story. By embracing naturalism, filmmakers like Fennell are not just making a political statement; they are enhancing the immersive quality of their art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were women in period dramas traditionally shown as hairless?

Historically, films were designed to appeal to contemporary beauty standards. The “clean” look was considered more aesthetically pleasing to modern audiences, even if it was historically inaccurate.

Is historical accuracy always necessary in film?

Not necessarily. As Emerald Fennell noted, some adaptations focus on the director’s specific interpretation or memory of a book rather than a literal, academic translation of the time period.

Are there other period dramas that prioritize this type of realism?

Yes, many modern “gritty” period pieces are opting for natural textures, unkempt hair, and minimal makeup to emphasize the harsh realities of life in previous centuries.

What do you think? Does the inclusion of natural body hair or other “gritty” details make a period drama more engaging for you, or do you prefer the polished look of traditional cinema? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more deep dives into the world of film and culture.