One of Prime Videos' loved shows, Maxton Hall, is back with its second season. While the first part introduced us to Ruby Bell (played by Harriet Herbig‑Matten), a scholarship student at the elite boarding school Maxton Hall, and James Beaufort (Damian Hardung), the privileged heir whose world Ruby disrupts, Maxton Hall - The World Between Us takes a deeper but still surfacy dive into their worlds.
Well, several questions that were unanswered in first part, still remains unanswered in Maxton Hall season 2. Despite this, is the series worth watching? Let's find out.
Maxton Hall Season 2: Story
The series based on the novel 'Save Me' by Mona Kasten garnered massive international attention upon its first release. Season 2 picks up after a turbulent finale (mother’s death, emotional fallout, broken relationships) and promises a darker, more emotionally intense arc. However, it fails to uplift the plot and serve the purpose.
In Season 2, the narrative shifts gears: it’s no longer just about an enemies-turned-lovers plot but about trauma, endurance, identity and boundaries. One gets to see James, who is reeling from grief, angry at his father, slipping into self-destructive modes. Ruby, on the other hand, moves closer to her dreams - an Oxford, scholarship and proving herself.
Amid, family and career strains, somehow, Ruby and James find a way to come back to each other. Every time life throws a shocking skit at them, they come out stronger. But do they have a happy ending? Does Ruby get to live her dream of going to Oxford? Has James made his father realise the importance of his love? You'll have to watch the series to find out.
Maxton Hall Season 2: Writing and Direction
Directed by Martin Schreier and Tarek Roehlinger, Maxton Hall - The World Between Us, is not a significant season and the blame should be rendered to the makers for failing to catch the flies of first season and runing the tonality of the show. One of the major reasons why the second season will not connect with it's loyal fanbase is because the tonal shift to 'darkness' sacrifices the 'glossy boarding school romance' appeal that made Season 1 so binge-worthy for many.
But the silver lining in all this is that Maxton Hall Season 2 gives more screentime to secondary characters to breathe. Sub plots like female friendships, school politics get more space. But what the makers did right this season is the shift in Ruby’s posture. She’s no longer just reactive, on the contrary, she’s beginning to assert boundaries and that is compelling to watch.
The major drawback of the season is that it seems like a stretched version of Maxton Hall Season 1. But the problems remain the same. There's neither an improvement in them nor are their acknowledged. James' confused self between panting, lacrosse, Oxford and family business is persistent. While his love angle is explored beautifully, one still does not know what the male lead wants to do in life. Hence, the narrative feels more paused to dwell on emotional states rather than just an advancing plot. Some viewers can find this deeper slower pace more rewarding; others might feel it drags compared to the earlier pace.
Maxton Hall Season 2: Technical Aspect
The school, the gala events, the architecture continue to provide an attractive backdrop to Maxton Hall. The grandiosity of the castle-like school and its 'prestigious private school' aesthetic remains the same and is effective.
The music of Maxton Hall Season 2 is top-notch. The soundtrack stays, lingers and makes you feel butterflies during romantic scenes. Hence, it's safe to say that the setting, filming locations, cast remain top-tier.
Maxton Hall Season 2: Acting
Damian Hardung as James Beaufort is the top performer of the show. The way he smoothly brings to life the character arc of James- is the best part of the season. Damian profoundly explores the complex emotions of privilege, grief, self-destruction and consuming love; it's all messy but believable. Harriet Herbig‑Matten as Ruby is believable and she can make you cry during the finale.
The two people, who stand out from the supporting cast are Sonja Weiber as Lydia Beaufort and the headmaster of Maxton Hall, played by actor Thomas Douglas. Both seem more grounded in second season and elevate the frame with their presence.
Maxton Hall Season 2: Verdict
Maxton Hall Season 2 is a bold next step that may feel staged at times but still compels you to keep going. It takes what worked in Season 1- the chemistry, setting and class conflict - and doesn’t shy away from expanding the stakes.
In fact, the Prime Video show will likely deepen your investment in these characters and the world of Ruby and James.
Hence, if you enjoyed the first part of Maxton Hall and have been on the lookout for soft romantic series, then Maxton Hall Season 2 is certainly a good watch for you.
Also Read: Our Fault Movie Review: A lustrous farewell that feels tender and tired
