"The Crown," a drama series new to Netflix last month, chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the beginning of her reign through present day. Each episode details a snapshot of Elizabeth's life throughout some of the 20th century's most consequential political events. Her narrative offers viewers a completely new lens through which to understand the world's most prominent dynasty.

I, captivated by the intimacy of Elizabeth's narrative, (admittedly) finished the first season in a matter of weeks. Although I've learned about the British monarchy in school, textbooks provide only historical information and fail to capture the true, personal tumultuousness of internal regal disputes. "The Crown" humanizes the people and practices of an institution that, for centuries, has worked to maintain a statuesque image for Britain. By unlocking the gates of Buckingham Palace, writer Peter Morgan paints a fascinating and impressive picture of relationships within and between the royal family, its staffers and the British government.

Behind Queen Elizabeth's long-reigning façade of steadiness and stoicism lies vulnerabilities that resonate. Upon assuming the throne at 25 years old after her father, King George VI's, sudden death, Elizabeth found herself having to suppress her personhood, navigate a position filled with as many burdens as privileges, and, all the while, maintain healthy relationships with her family. Although the conditions under which Elizabeth navigates her adulthood are unique, the emotions that they produce are surprisingly easy to connect with.

From the outside, being queen seems effortless. Royal personas have been meticulously crafted throughout Britain's history, and are meant to serve as beacon of guidance for citizens through times of both celebration and despair. Despite her image, Elizabeth struggles with decisions throughout her life that pit love, law, friendship, obligation, duty, patriotism and justice against one another. These conflicts, easily reduced or erased over time as if inconsequential in order to maintain image, are brought to life through complex cinematography. A stunning example of historical art, "The Crown" opens our eyes to situations usually left untouched.