We Were the Lucky Ones is less of a TV series and more an emotional gut punch wrapped in masterful storytelling. Directed by Erica Lipez and based on Georgia Hunter’s 2017 deeply personal novel, this Hulu limited series takes viewers on a harrowing journey through the Holocaust, following the Kurc family as they struggle to survive a world unraveling in unimaginable cruelty. It’s a story about hope—fragile, stubborn, and luminous, even in the darkest corners of human history.
The series is unflinching in its depiction of horror. From the bustling pre-war streets of Radom, Poland, to ghettos and freezing labor camps, each frame feels imbued with the weight of impending tragedy. Cinematographer Daniel Moder bathes scenes in muted grays and browns, a palette that mirrors the suffocating bleakness of the Kurcs’ circumstances. And yet, amidst the ash and ruin, there are flickers of life: a shared laugh, a whispered prayer, a stolen moment of defiance. It’s these moments that make We Were the Lucky Ones not just a story of survival but a testament to the human spirit.
The performances are staggering. Joey King as Addy is heartbreak incarnate, her wide eyes carrying the sorrow of someone too young to endure so much. Logan Lerman, as Jakob, is quiet yet fiercely determined, his understated performance allowing raw emotions to creep through the cracks. Robin Weigert as Bella, the Kurc matriarch, delivers a performance that feels less acted and more lived—a portrayal of a woman refusing to let despair claim her family.
The series’ brilliance lies in its delicate balance. Lipez doesn’t shy away from the atrocities, but she also never lets the horror drown out the humanity. Each Kurc family member feels like someone you know, someone you desperately root for, even though history warns us not to hope too much. And yet, hope persists—aching, fragile, and radiant.
The pacing can feel uneven at times, but perhaps that mirrors the chaos of life in wartime. If there’s a fault, it’s that the series leaves you emotionally wrecked. But maybe that’s the point. We Were the Lucky Ones doesn’t let you watch passively—it demands that you feel, grieve, and remember.
This is not easy viewing, but it’s essential. A sobering, deeply affecting portrait of resilience, it reminds us that even in the face of humanity’s worst, love and hope can endure.
RHFC Review: 8/10 🍿
