Maid (2021) Cre: Molly Smith Metzler
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I was recommended this Molly Smith Metzler created limited series by a friend, and when I read its initial synopsis, I was immediately hooked. The series is inspired by Stephanie Land's memoir 'Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive.' - which is just about everything you need to know to get started with this Netflix original show.
The series contains some heavy themes, most notably surrounding domestic abuse. Usually, media like this tries to shock its audience by showing that behaviour in all its horrid details, whereas this series withholds the explicit - it recognises that the audience doesn't need to see much to understand its impact.
It is a remarkably effective effective piece of television. It hits so many emotional notes, time and time again, with what is a beautiful, though bittersweet, look at surviving, single parenthood and the inexplicable levels of emotional strength one needs to make it through some of life's hardest moments.
The audience feels every step in the main character's journey. Her setbacks are crushing for us because we are so invested in her story - but, equally, if not more-so, her achievements and positive outcomes are euphoric. The series did such a good job of making her as endearing and likable as possible.
So much went into this series, and it had so many layers that felt so real, partly because of how based in reality it is, such as how exhausting it must be to be a parent to one (or both) of your parents, or to deal with the trauma of your childhood and your relationships alone.
I liked the quick visual cut-aways to her thoughts; it made each episode feel even more personal, and even more intimate with the protagonist. These, as well as those little moments of beauty, make the heavier moments a lot easier to make it through. The soundtrack was also excellently selected, and featured a song from one of my favourite bands ever; Wolf Alice.
Margaret Qualley was beyond exceptional from the first episode to the last. So much of this show's success and effectiveness comes from her incredible acting. She did not have an off scene, let-alone episode. I was so blown away by her excellence and consistency. This was such a huge role, for so many reasons, but she made it hers and then some.
Nick Robinson's acting was very good too, which helped his character be as detestable as possible. He did very well to show the diffferent sides of his role. I liked that, physically speaking, he wasn't that imposing - it meant his intimidation came more from his behaviour, which was a clever creative decision from the writers.
Of the supporting cast, I thought that Andie MacDowell deserved special credit for how cleverly she portrayed her layered and unpredictable character. I loved her unique mannerisms and facial expressions, they all made her feel like such a believable character.
I also have to give special credit to the adorable Rylea Nevaeh Whittet, who did a lovely job of being an innocent and believable little toddler. As for the remaining cast members, Anika Noni Rose stood out for how she showed her character's growth and evolutions throughout her time on-screen.
So many faces come and go, and so many of them give the series a significant impact. To summarise though, I will simply provide mentions to those who warranted them the most in my view; Raymond Ablack, Tracy Vilar, Billy Burke, Aimee Carrero and BJ Harrison.
Overall, I could go on and on about how brilliant this limited series is, in some ways I wish I could. It's such a emotionally driven creation, but what really struck me was how much hope and determination ran through it - it was honestly inspiring. I really cannot praise this series enough - it's one of the best things I've ever watched.
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