Review of Expats: Nicole Kidman Heads Stellar Cast in Prime Video's Poignant Miniseries
Expats, a new miniseries on Prime Video created and directed by Lulu Wang, delves into the complex dynamics of women versus husbands, children versus parents, and men battling internal conflicts. Drawing inspiration from Janice YK Lee's novel, the show unfolds in contemporary Hong Kong, exploring the lives of privileged characters grappling with their identities amid societal upheaval.
Lulu Wang, known for her acclaimed film "The Farewell," weaves a narrative against the political backdrop of Hong Kong. The series navigates a dual narrative, oscillating between a poignant exploration of grief and forgiveness and a thrilling plot reminiscent of "Big Little Lies," featuring star and executive producer Nicole Kidman.
Kidman portrays Margaret, an affluent American living with her family in Hong Kong. Her neighbor, Hilary, an Indian-American in an unhappy marriage to an Englishman named David, connects with Margaret through unforeseen circumstances involving Mercy, a young Korean-American seeking solace in Hong Kong.
The series unfolds with an incident at a boat party, leading to Gus, Margaret's youngest child, getting lost in a night market under Mercy's care. Episode one sets the stage with scandalous dynamics, leaving viewers questioning the strained relationship between Margaret and Hilary, Mercy's unexpected role, and Clarke, Margaret's husband, displaying emotional vulnerability.
As the narrative unravels, episode two shifts tone, grounding the drama. The standout episode, number five, provides a cinematic perspective lasting an hour and 40 minutes. It adopts the viewpoint of housemaids, often background characters, who, like their employers, are expatriates with limited resources. Wang skillfully explores complex dynamics, such as Margaret's guilt over her children's attachment to their help, Essie, prompting her decision to hire Mercy.
The characters' emotional struggles are symbolically confined within physical spaces, intensifying their inner turmoil. Noteworthy episodes feature Hilary and her Punjabi mother trapped in a lift, revisiting past trauma, and Margaret grappling with her beliefs during a rainy evening with a pastor. Despite expressions of gratitude toward their helps, an invisible wall persists between the characters and their domestic staff.
Expats unfolds with six gripping episodes, skillfully written by Wang, revealing a nuanced and compelling exploration of complex relationships and internal conflicts within the expatriate community in Hong Kong.